By Cindy Kranz
The Cincinnati Enquirer

FINNEYTOWN - Randall Parsons, a former Finneytown elementary principal, will return this summer to become the district's new superintendent.

Parsons, who is now assistant superintendent of the Mount Healthy City Schools,was principal of Cottonwood and Brent elementary schools in Finneytown 1995-2000.

The 50-year-old educator starts his new job as head of the 1,800-student district Aug. 1. He replaces Sam Martin, who is retiring.

"Finneytown is a fine district with many quality educators and a highly involved community committed to high achievement," Parsons said. "I thought it was a good fit for my leadership style, and I'm honored to return in the capacity of superintendent.

"I don't have any specific changes in mind. I think that my role will be to help the district to continue on its road to academic excellence and support the fine programs that are in existence there."

Parsons and the school board are negotiating a contract.

"I am very excited about offering this contract to Mr. Parsons," said Jan Smith, school board president. "He brings a unique blend of instructional and administrative experience to the district. Having spent 24 years as a teacher and administrator, Mr. Parsons is well prepared to assume the position of superintendent."

Parsons has been an educator for 28 years. He spent 19 years in Mount Healthy as a teacher and principal. He left in 1995 to become principal of the two Finneytown elementary schools. He returned to Mount Healthy as assistant superintendent in 2000.

He received his degree in educational administration from Miami University in 1978. He has additional certification and post-master's work from Xavier University and Miami University.

---

E-mail ckranz@enquirer.com