West G Schools Appoints 2 New Administrators
West Geauga Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint Amy Davis as assistant superintendent and Meagan Bellan as director of curriculum and instruction during the March 10 board meeting.
West Geauga Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint Amy Davis as assistant superintendent and Meagan Bellan as director of curriculum and instruction during the March 10 board meeting.
“Amy comes to us really instrumental in maintaining high levels of academic achievement throughout the (COVID-19) pandemic,” Assistant Superintendent Nancy Benincasa said.
Davis has a bachelor’s degree in French language from Allegheny College, a master’s degree in education from John Carroll and Baldwin Wallace universities and a doctorate in organizational leadership from Columbia International University, she said in a followup email.
She has been an elementary school teacher, paraprofessional, intervention specialist, elementary principal and the director of curriculum before coming to West Geauga Schools to serve as the director of pupil personnel for the past eight years, she added.
“I have never in my life known anyone who has served in every one of those seats and done so with such great success,” Benincasa said.
Davis provides a student-focused outlook, she said.
“I think what is most impressive about Dr. Davis is really her dogged determination for high achievement for all kids.She challenges our staff to think about what that means for individual students,” Benincasa said.
Davis hopes to increase opportunities for student achievement, she said.
“As such, one of my goals is to ensure every student has an outstanding, personalized experience and achieves his or her potential,” Davis said, expressing gratitude for Superintendent Richard Markwardt’s leadership.
“I have been extremely fortunate to serve under the leadership of Dr. Richard Markwardt,” she said. “I hope to serve the district with the needs of students and families at the forefront.”
Bellan earned both her educational specialist degree and master’s degree in school psychology from Kent State University. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Miami University, she said in a followup email.
Bellan is the current principal of West Geauga Middle School and was principal of Lindsey Elementary School before serving as a school psychologist in the district.
Before coming to West Geauga Schools, she served as a clinical supervisor at the Positive Education Program’s Prentiss Autism Center and a school psychologist in Solon City Schools, she said.
Benincasa said West Geauga Middle School was named a National Blue Ribbon School under Bellan’s leadership, which are awards given to high-achieving schools.
“Their academic achievements soared to heights that have never been seen at Lindsey Elementary (School),” she said.
Bellan reflected on her ability to move up within the district.
“It’s been a privilege to grow professionally within West Geauga and I’m deeply grateful for the relationships and experiences that have shaped my journey,” she said. “In this new position, I look forward to collaborating across all buildings to help shape programs and opportunities that reflect the strengths and needs of our community. I’m committed to ensuring every student is supported and challenged to reach their fullest potential — and I’m honored to help lead that work moving forward.”
Benincasa also said West Geauga Middle School has had the highest academic achievement during Bellan’s tenure as principal.
“These are two very remarkable educators. They are exemplary in their field,” she said. “They’re quality individuals, but more importantly, they are tremendous educators.”
It’s hard to find reliable administration, said board President Christina Sherwood.
“I know that this district has spent years accumulating quality people and retaining those and that’s not easy,” she said. “I’ve worked in several school districts and there’s been a lot of turnover, especially in central offices, and it’s hard to find people that we can trust that have the best interest of our kids.”
These are some of the strongest administrators Markwardt has ever worked with, he said.
“Their work is impeccable, their work ethic is beyond description and I know they will do their best to make West Geauga the best school district that it can be,” Markwardt said.
