GALION — The Galion City School District has announced Jennifer Allerding will be the district’s next superintendent.

Allerding currently works as the district’s director of instruction and learning but will leave the position and step into her new role as superintendent Aug. 1.

“I am blessed to have the opportunity to serve as the superintendent of Galion City Schools,” Allerding said. “During the last 6 years, I have had the pleasure of working with a team of amazing staff members, terrific kids, and supportive families and community members.”

Allerding was chosen from a group of eight candidates and three finalists.

The applicants were (along with current positions):

  • Jennifer Allerding – Director of Instruction – Galion City Schools
  • Jack Cunningham – Principal – East Liverpool City Schools (North Elementary)
  • Martha Hasselbusch – Principal – Cincinnati Public Schools (Midway School)
  • John Massara – Education Program Specialist – Ohio Dept. of Education
  • Gary Miller Jr. – Principal – Northeastern Local Schools (Northridge Middle School)
  • Tim Myers – Superintendent – Van Buren Local Schools
  • Tamara Wallace – Principal – Mohawk Local Schools (Mohawk Elementary)
  • Tamara Webb – Director of Student Services – Ashland City Schools

Allerding, Wallace and Webb were named the finalist for the position.

Allerding graduated from Kent State University with her bachelor’s degree and from Ashland University with her master’s degree in administration.

“My family has a long history in Galion,” she said. “The community and district have provided us so many opportunities. I am happy to work hard to continue the history of excellence, provide opportunities for the children of Galion, and to give back to a community that means so much to my family.

“As we begin the 2020-2021 school year, our team will focus on continuing to build relationships and will also continue our efforts of improving in the areas of academics, athletics, and the arts. The staff and our students have worked extremely hard in all three of these areas over the last few years. I look forward to supporting these efforts as we continually strive to improve. Safety is always a consideration and will be a top priority as we begin the year in the fall. We are excited about the day our students will come back to us. We will work as a team to develop a plan that results in the best environment for us all.”

Galion Primary School Principal Melisa Watters will take over the director of instruction and learning position Aug. 1.

“The district is fortunate to have Melisa Watters moving into the director of instruction and learning position,” Allerding said. “She provides a wealth of knowledge that will support our teachers and impact the achievement of our students in a positive manner. She has high expectations, works extremely hard, and cares for the staff and students of our district.”

GPS Assistant Principal Katy Erlsten was promoted move into the principal position.

“I am thrilled to have a longtime assistant principal, Katy Erlsten, moving into the role of Galion Primary Principal,” Allerding said. “Katy will do an outstanding job of continuing to support this building and our littlest Tigers. Her dedication to the district is appreciated, and I’m excited to see her in this new role.”

The administration is hoping to bring a recommendation for a new assistant principal in the primary building to the next board of education meeting.