By Sue Kiesewetter
Enquirer contributor

Spieser

HAMILTON TWP. - John Spieser summarizes his goal for Little Miami High School this way: "I want to continue the excellence."

Spieser, 31, will be principal of the Warren County school, replacing Daniel Bennett, who becomes the district's superintendent Aug. 1 when Ralph Shell retires. He has been given a two-year contract and will earn $78,344 annually.

Chosen from among 22 applicants, Spieser's background and enthusiasm made him the top candidate, Bennett said. During July, Spieser will work with Bennett for a smooth transition.

"John came to us with ... a passion for this district and what we believe in,'' Bennett said. "He has a background with trimesters and the High Schools That Work model, which is important to us.''

For the past two years, Spieser, a 1989 graduate of Deer Park High School, has been assistant principal at Clermont County's Bethel-Tate High School.

There, he implemented Learning Walks, a program to improve instruction.

Spieser also coordinated a districtwide move from three buildings to four, implemented a silent reading program and helped revise the science curriculum.

Calling himself a lifelong learner, Spieser said he attributes much of his success to Bethel-Tate High School Principal Mary "Mimi" Webb.

"Mimi has been a great mentor. She's kept me a lifelong learner and helped me grow as a person and professionally,'' Spieser said.

Before going to Bethel-Tate, Spieser was assistant principal at Mason High School one year and taught life science six years at Milford Junior High School.

He earned a bachelor's degree from Miami University and holds master's degrees in education administration from the University of Cincinnati and in elementary education from Northern Kentucky University.

He is married and lives in Clermont County's Union Township with his wife, Ayn, and sons Charlie and Jackson.