Wednesday, July 14, 1999
Former principal moving up
Gellert will become N. College Hill superintendent
BY BERNIE MIXON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
NORTH COLLEGE HILL — For the next few months, former North College Hill High School Principal Gary Gellert will work with Superintendent Stan Wernz to learn the ins and outs of leading a school district.
Mr. Gellert, who was named associate superintendent last month, will take over as superintendent in February. Until then, Mr. Wernz will run the district until his retirement at the end of January.
“During these few months, I will be working with Mr. Wernz learning everything I can about the position,” Mr. Gellert said. “It is a wonderful training opportunity. Mr. Wernz has outstanding experience.”
After advertising the position this spring, the district received more than a dozen applications. The board conducted interviews with the final three candidates last month and selected Mr. Gellert.
“His integrity is the key. He has proven himself to be a strong leader and he stands by his decisions regardless of any pressure he may get,” said board member Jean Parmenter. “He has a strong personality. He will run a solid school district.”
Mr. Gellert set his sights early on education.
“I always wanted to be a teacher from when I was very young,” Mr. Gellert said. “I enjoyed school and learning and wanted to do something significant for young people.”
For the past 81/2 years, Mr. Gellert has walked the halls as principal at North College Hill High School.
After 25 years, Mr. Gellert still is excited about his work. “I truly believe the future of our country depends on the education of our youth,” Mr. Gellert said. “I believe public schools is where all the children come together and learn about the skills we need to be competitive in the 21st century.”
Mr. Gellert said his first priority will be “on student achievement and ensuring our children have a quality education.” He also will watch the state school funding issue closely and work to make the district's schools competitive in an age of school choice.
“I look forward to the challenge,” he said.
But for now he will help train a new high-school principal and learn the fine points of being a superintendent.
Mr. Wernz said he is confident that Mr. Gellert will make a fine superintendent.
“I'm excited about turning the reins over to him. I believe he has a good head; that he's a reasoned thinker,” Mr. Wernz said. “He will fit well into the operations of this district.”
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