Chagrin Falls School News
Amanda Rassi, who has served as assistant principal of Chagrin Falls High School (CFHS) since 2015, has been named the next principal of the school...
Rassi Named Next Principal of Chagrin Falls High School
Amanda Rassi, who has served as assistant principal of Chagrin Falls High School (CFHS) since 2015, has been named the next principal of the school. She replaces Mike Janatovich, who left the district to become the principal of Independence High School. She was officially approved at the July 19 Board of Education meeting.
As assistant principal of CFHS, Rassi oversaw student services at the building level, such as clubs and activities, Link Crew, Tiger Perk, Bridge to the World, Senior Project and community service projects. At the district level, she is the committee chair for the District Safety Committee and worked closely in the safety and security plans for the district.
Prior to joining Chagrin Falls High School, Rassi was the assistant principal at Maple Heights High School. She completed both her undergraduate and graduate work at Kent State University. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 2008. Her master’s degree was obtained in 2013 in the field of educational administration. She is also a member of several professional education organizations.
Jen Bencko, director of pupil services, said, “In my time working with Amanda, I have been impressed with the relationships she has built with staff, students and families. I’m confident that under her leadership, we will continue to build a strong sense of community for our district.”
Over 15 applicants applied for the position over a 10-day posting window. Following a screening process, first round interviews were held with an administrative team on July 5. Three candidates were invited to a final round interview on July 6 with more than 20 stakeholders including students, parents, high school teachers representing various departments, classified staff and administrators. The interview team’s feedback was strongly in favor of Ms. Rassi as the clear choice for the next principal of Chagrin Falls High School.
“Ms. Rassi has served eight years as assistant high school principal and has gone above and beyond to serve students, staff, parents and community,” said Superintendent Jennifer Penczarski. “Her commitment to Chagrin students, staff and families is something we heard over and over again from the interview committee and that she could have easily left over the eight years to take a principal position elsewhere but she was dedicated to our students and families which means something and she truly understands our community. Ms. Rassi represents our district vision through the work she has done by inspiring all members of our school community to grow and thrive.”
“I am humbled and honored to become the next principal of Chagrin Falls High School,” said Rassi. “Having been a part of this exceptional community as assistant principal, I am fully aware of how remarkable our staff, students, and families are and I look forward to continuing to serve them in this new role.”
New High School Assistant Principal Named
At the July 19 Board of Education meeting, Jessica Ross was hired as the new assistant high school principal. She is replacing Amanda Rassi who also was board approved as the next high school principal. There were 22 applicants for the assistant principal position. Five individuals were screened and two were finalists.
Ross previously was associate principal of Medina High School. As part of her responsibilities, Ross created and facilitated professional development for 135 faculty members in productive deeper learning experiences and student engagement. She also built collaborative school-wide relationships, coaching teachers and utilizing individualized teacher goals to facilitate constructive growth-centered conversations. Ross managed the special education department and supervised 16 instructional paraprofessionals to help navigate student challenges, student relationships and schedules based on student needs. In addition she facilitated the high school multi-tiered systems of support team, implemented a restorative-based approach to discipline, forming positive relationships with families and students through difficult situations.
Prior to working in Medina City schools, she taught fifth-grade math in Solon and West Geauga. She also taught sixth-grade math and science in New York. She received her principal licensure in the Inspired Leaders Program at Cleveland State University. She also has a master’s in childhood education from Bank Street College of Education in New York, N.Y., as well as a bachelor’s degree in economics from Amherst College in Amherst, Mass. She is a member of the Women’s Leadership Committee of the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators.
Ross resides in Chagrin Falls and has two children. They attend Gurney Elementary and the Intermediate School.
“We are excited to welcome Jessica Ross as the new assistant principal of Chagrin Falls High School starting in the 2023-2024 school year,” said Superintendent Jennifer Penczarski, Chagrin Falls Schools. “As a valued member of our school community, Jessica’s dedication and her genuine care for both students and staff make her an exceptional addition to our leadership team. Having invested in our educational system through her children’s attendance at Gurney and CFIS, Jessica brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of what our District values and believes. We have full confidence in her commitment to inspire our students to grow and thrive.”
“Chagrin Falls Schools is an excellent District that promotes academic success and wellbeing,” said Ross. “Staff and community members have high expectations and care deeply about the school system. I look forward to becoming a valuable asset to the school community and making a positive impact on the students and staff at Chagrin Falls High School.”
