EDINBURGH — Edinburgh schools has named a rookie to its top leadership position.
Superintendent Doug Arnold will retire June 30, after three years leading the district. The Edinburgh Community School Board unanimously approved a contract for Ronald Ross Jr. to succeed him. He will be paid $106,000 a year, according to his contract.
Ross, whose career spans 15 years, taught for six years. For the past nine years, he has been an administrator, serving in various roles such as social-emotional learning building coordinator, assistant principal and principal. He is currently dean of students at Greenfield Central Junior High School.
“I’ve wanted to be a superintendent since I was 17 years old. I don’t know what 17-year-old makes that decision, but leading a school district is something I’ve been passionate about since early on,” Ross said.
“I pursued career opportunities to put me in this position. This place reminds me of my hometown, Liberty. I met the board, they were welcoming. This is a place to call home.”
Ross intends to be a hands-on superintendent, and some of his first goals will include meeting staff, students and stakeholders, he said.
“I want to meet with the administrative team, work with the school board and begin a transition plan with Dr. Arnold,” Ross said. “I really want to meet people and form good, working relationships. It’s the key to success in any working organization.”
Ross’s two-year contract is set to begin on July 1.
Some of the school district’s goals as Ross begins his term include retaining staff and increasing enrollment. Edinburgh schools is a good place for him, said Cathy Hamm, school board president.
“We were looking for someone who was willing to jump in and do what needed to be done,” Hamm said. “Ron Ross was going to be a superintendent someplace, someday. He’s a first-year superintendent, but everyone has to start somewhere. I think he will be the perfect fit for the corporation.”
