BY SUE KIESEWETTER
Enquirer Contributor
MASON -- Barbara Crist will leave the Winton Woods Schools Aug. 1 to become assistant superintendent of the Mason Schools.
Ms. Crist, executive director of instruction at Winton Woods, received a two-year contract last week from the Mason Board of Education. She will earn $81,000 annually.
"We are delighted that Barb has chosen to come to Mason to focus on curriculum, instruction, assessment and staff development," said Kevin Bright, Mason's assistant superintendent who takes over as superintendent Aug. 1.
"I have seen Barb in action, and one of her greatest strengths is in working with teachers. She has great expertise and is the consummate professional."
Ms. Crist said it will be difficult to leave the people she works with at Winton Woods, but she is excited to be working in a growing district.
"I was drawn to Mason by their reputation," said Ms. Crist, a West Chester resident. "During the interview process I was impressed with everyone I met. I look forward to joining the team."
For the past year Ms. Crist was responsible for development and administration of programs for kindergarten through grade 12 at Winton Woods. She also directed and coordinated the staff development program. Prior to that, she spent nine years as assistant superintendent in the North College Hill Schools.
Ms. Crist holds a bachelor's degree from Ohio Northern University and a master's and a doctorate from Miami University.
"This came up pretty quick. We wish her the best," said Lori Handler, vice president of the Winton Woods Board of Education. "She's a lovely person, and we will miss her."
Ms. Handler said the board has not begun discussions on finding a replacement for Ms. Crist.
"We need the position," Ms. Handler said. "I'm not sure if it will remain the same or might be restructured. We haven't had time to discuss it yet."
