COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Olentangy Local School District announced that Superintendent Mark Raiff, who has worked in the district for 20 years, is retiring.
Raiff began his teaching career as principal for Bexley High School, Westerville South and Westerville Central High School before ending up at Olentangy in 2003.
Raiff started in the district as an assistant principal at Olentangy High School before becoming principal at Liberty High School, Chief Academic Officer for the district and then superintendent, a position he has maintained for the past eight years.
According to a release from the school, during Raiff's time as superintendent, he led the school through the COVID-19 pandemic and remote learning, oversaw the passing of two levies, building of three schools and more.
The Olentangy Schools Board of Education plans to officially accept the resignation during the board meeting on Thursday. His final day will be July 31, 2023.
“Although we approached Mr. Raiff several times to extend his Superintendent contract, we understand and respect his decision to retire at the end of this school year and wish him the best,” said Board President Kevin O’Brien. “Mr. Raiff’s knowledge, forward-thinking approach, and commitment to our district’s mission to facilitate maximum learning has allowed Olentangy Schools to remain a top academically performing school district through some of our most challenging times. He will leave a legacy at Olentangy that he and his family should be proud of.”
Raiff told Olentangy Schools that he plans to retire with his wife, Katie, in North Carolina and spend time with his four children and three grandchildren.
“Mr. Raiff has modeled leadership, courage and professionalism for all of Olentangy. Because of his positive, steadfast approach and innate ability to connect to all Olentangy stakeholders; students, parents, teachers, staff, and community members – Mr. Raiff has always made our school district feel like a small, united ‘One Olentangy’ community," Olentangy Teachers Association President Elaine Eddy said.
The district plans to discuss the search for the next superintendent during Thursday's meeting.