WESTERVILLE, Ohio — Westerville City Schools announced the school board approved the resignation of Superintendent Joseph Clark on Monday.
The school board announced Clark will remain as the district's leader until July 31.
The board said Clark decided to step down for personal reasons.
Clark was selected out of 19 candidates in August 2023 and started two months later. He took over for John Kellogg, who served the district for more than a decade.
Before his role with Westerville, Clark served as the superintendent for Nordonia City Schools in northeast Ohio since 2009.
The board said initial discussions are underway regarding the continuity of long-term initiates currently underway, the district's pending transition to new leadership and the next steps in finding its next superintendent.
Clark attended Kent State University and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a double minor in secondary education and writing. He also received his master’s degree in education leadership and Ph.D in K-12 Leadership with a focus in school law.
Clark's resignation letter can be read below.
"It is with a heavy heart that I announce my resignation as the Superintendent of Westerville City Schools for personal reasons. Serving this community has been an honor and a privilege, and it is not without deep regret that I step down from this position.
Throughout my tenure, I have had the immense pleasure of working alongside an exceptional team of educators, support staff, principals, administrators, and most importantly, our incredible students. The dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence exhibited by each and every member of our school community have continually inspired me.
In my time here, I have had the opportunity to engage with over 60 community groups, comprising more than 1,000 individuals. I also visited hundreds of classrooms, and attended scores of school programs. The feedback I have received from these interactions reflects a profound love and pride for the Westerville Schools. It is evident that our community values education and is deeply invested in the success and well-being of our students.
While I am proud of the progress we have made together, I recognize that there is still much work to be done. Challenges lie ahead, but I am confident in the resilience and strength of our community to overcome them. I only wish I could continue to lead our schools through these necessary changes.
To the staff and students of Westerville City Schools, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence. You are the heart and soul of our community, and it has been an honor to serve alongside you.
As I step down from my role, I pledge to do whatever I can to support my successor in leading our schools forward. Together, let us continue to cultivate a culture where every student has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as your Superintendent. Westerville City Schools will always hold a special place in my heart."