Auburn Career Center’s search for a new superintendent has come to a close, with the ACC Board of Education voting unanimously to appoint Joe Glavan to the post at its May 8 meeting.
Auburn Career Center’s search for a new superintendent has come to a close, with the ACC Board of Education voting unanimously to appoint Joe Glavan to the post at its May 8 meeting.
“I’d like to begin by sincerely thanking you for providing me this incredible opportunity to serve as the next superintendent of Auburn Career Center,” said Glavan, who will step into his new role Aug. 1, upon his appointment. “It’s truly an honor to lead an institution so vital to the future of workforce education in our region.”
Glavan — who will be replacing retiring Superintendent Brian Bontempo — also thanked his family, noting how their unwavering support helped him along the way.
“As you guys know when we talked the other night, I had to confer with (my wife),” he recalled, laughing. “I said, ‘Guys, I appreciate this, but there is no way I can do anything until I talk with Heather.’”
ACC has a far reaching impact and the school is building an extraordinary educational experience, he said.
“Our belief and purpose has not changed since Auburn’s founding as the first career technical education center in the state of Ohio,” he said. “59 years ago, when the building was being dedicated for ACC, the first superintendent, Henry LaMuth, he talked about it … and he said, ‘While this will provide the knowledge and work skills necessary for employment, it will develop the abilities, attitudes, work habits and appreciations which contribute to a satisfying and productive life.’”
That vision still guides ACC in modern day and it still aspires to provide an experience allowing students to find their purpose and lead meaningful lives, he said.
“I look forward to working closely with our families, students and staff, and community members to ensure they are informed, supported and empowered through every step of their journey. The future of workforce education in Northeast Ohio is bright and it starts right here at Auburn,” he said.
Board President Roger Miller expressed his excitement to have Glavan come aboard in a May 9 press release.
“His passion for career-tech education and his forward-thinking leadership will be invaluable as we continue to grow and innovate to meet the needs of our students and the regional workforce,” he said in the release. “We look forward to the direction he will take Auburn.”
Likewise, Bontempo looked towards the future under Glavin in a statement May 12.
“I am excited to see the future of Auburn. Career and Technical education is so important to our region and I look forward to watching Joe Glavin take Auburn to the next level,” he said.
Glavan previously was director of workforce development for both Mentor Schools and Lakeland Community College, director of business partnerships and career-technical education, and director of the Lake Shore Compact, according to the press release.
Glavan has a doctorate in educational leadership from Youngstown State University, a master’s degree in business administration from Lake Erie College and a bachelor’s degree in integrated health studies from Kent State University, the release said, adding Glavan holds a principal licensure from Cleveland State University.
“Glavan brings a strong commitment to career-technical education, a student-centered philosophy and a proven track record of innovative leadership,” ACC said in the release. “(He) is eager to begin collaborating with students, staff, families and community partners as he assumes his new role this August.”
