Ridgewood leader identifies challenges
WEST LAFAYETTE - Over the next five years, Mike Masloski said he plans to focus on laying a strong educational foundation for elementary school students, supporting career and college exploration for middle schoolers and expanding free college course offerings for high school students.
Currently the director of assessment, curriculum and special education for Ridgewood Local Schools, Masloski will become the district's superintendent Aug. 1. The board of education unanimously voted to hire him as superintendent under a five-year contract March 21. The only candidate for the job, he will start at an annual salary of $107,000, Treasurer Jay Tingle said.
Superintendent John Marks, of Dover, is stepping down July 31 after serving the district for three years. Marks said he plans to spend more time with his family.
Since students have many options these days — including home schooling, online classes and charter schools — public school districts "have to be proactive and provide an environment where students want to come and learn," Masloski said
At the same time, districts must find alternative paths for students, such as digital schools.
Ridgewood examined charter and online schools four years ago and "gave (students) a better product" with its own digital academy, Masloski said.
The district also provides enrichment opportunities after school, offering clubs for science, art, drama, chess, remote control cars, running and archery.
Masloski, 45, has 24 years of experience in education, spending the past 15 years with Ridgewood schools. He joined the district in 2001 as a special education history teacher at the high school, then worked for 10 years as principal of Ridgewood Middle School before assuming his present role. He also serves as an adjunct professor of education at Muskingum University in New Concord, his alma mater.
The future of public education is not without challenges. State lawmakers continue to add unfunded mandates for educators at a rate unmatched in other fields, Masloski said.
"I think the big challenge is always staying on top of what's being legislated, both academically and financially," he said.
Masloski said the Ridgewood district has proven to be a good steward of taxpayer money and has not had to ask residents for a lot. Parents and community members are supportive, he said.
"For the most part, they really support the schools, and they want a good learning environment for the students," he said.
He credits the district's staff members with focusing on students.
"Their No. 1 objective, from my years here, is they always have the kids' interests at heart," he said.
Masloski said he will continue to work to extend student offerings in career tech and science, technology, engineering and math.
"My goal is always to be proactive and not just catching up," he said.
He has a five-year plan focusing on Ridgewood students' needs at every educational level.
He plans to focus on reading, writing and math at the elementary school level to provide young students with a strong educational foundation.
He said he will continue to provide middle school students with expanded opportunities to explore options for careers and higher education.
Masloski said he hopes the district's high school students will take advantage of free college classes offered on the Ridgewood campus. Currently, students at the high school can take college credit courses through Kenyon College and Muskingum University, and next year, they will be able to do so through Stark State College, as well. Those credits can transfer to two- or four-year colleges, or to career and technical schools.
This year, Ridgewood students can graduate with more than 20 hours of free college credits. That will grow to more than 50 next year.
Originally from Adena, Masloski earned his bachelor's degree in history and special education and his master's degree in curriculum and education leadership from Muskingum University.
He and his wife, Robin, live in West Lafayette with their children — Kolby, 13; Kelley, 11; and Kya, 9 — who all attend Ridgewood Middle School. His wife teaches music in Newcomerstown.
jwilliams6@gannett.com
Twitter: @JoeTribune