School board chooses associate superintendent

Ann Schloss says she’s been going to Elyria City Schools since she was 5 years old.

On March 16, Elyria School Board named the 50-year-old longtime educator associate superintendent with an annual salary of $125,000.

“I know I speak for the entire board when I say this appointment is well deserved,” said Elyria School Board President Greg Elek in a news release. “Ann is a tremendous person, in general, but also an expert in curriculum and in the field of education.

“She is well-respected locally, regionally and at the state level, and we are truly fortunate to have her.

“This is an exciting time for Elyria Schools and for the community. As a board, we’ve been working alongside (Superintendent Dr. Tom) Jama to put a leadership plan in place that positions us for continued advancement and success.”

What Schloss brings to the table as a person and as a professional as curriculum director and now as associate superintendent, is an essential element in that succession strategy, Elek said.

In the search to find a superintendent for the district with the retirement of Paul Rigda, Schloss finished as runner-up to Jama.

Schloss and Jama supported each other through the transition, and as the district passed a renewal levy and a bond issue to build five new elementary and middle schools.

“It’s really neat because we have such a phenomenal team, and we need to keep the team going,” Schloss said. “The community has entrusted us with so much with this project and putting the right people in the right places is so important.

“I love this district. I grew up here and there’s nothing I would not do to see the kids thrive.”

The Elyria Schools Administration Building, 42101 Griswold Road in Elyria, includes preschool classes.

Schloss said she enjoys visiting the students there.

“My favorite thing is to get my hugs from Annabelle across the hallway,” Schloss said. “I said, ‘My grandfather used to call me, ‘Annabelle.’ Now, every morning I get my hug.

“She says, ‘Good morning, Annabelle.’ My job isn’t a job because I love so much of what I do day in and day out. That’s not work to me. That’s passion.”

Schloss said she appreciated the Pioneer Varsity Basketball team and their run in the state tournament. The Pioneers lost to Toledo St. John’s Titans, 48-47, on March 15.

“I’m so proud of what they did,” Schloss said. “They handled themselves so classy. A couple of the players were students I had in my building when I was a principal.”

Not only did Schloss attend and graduate from Elyria City Schools, but her entire career focused on Elyria.

She started teaching sixth-grade in 1994 at Jefferson Elementary, and also taught at Cascade Elementary. And she served as assistant principal at Franklin Elementary and as principal at Oakwood Elementary.

As director of teaching and learning, Schloss oversaw curriculum and teaching at the elementary and secondary levels.

She founded an in-house training for teachers and staff to advance their education profession and earn college credit.

Called, “Elyria University,” the program offers dozens of education, software and technology courses.

In 2011, Schloss was promoted to director of academic services. She also holds a superintendent’s license.

As associate superintendent, Schloss will assume prime roles in the facilities master plan and in instruction while continuing her previous duties.