It is with deep and genuine sadness that I write this message of farewell to the Lorain City School District. Please know that I wish this was more personal and timely, but unfortunately, circumstances would not allow for it. Know that I have thought of you often, and genuinely miss the Lorain Titan family. I was asked many times during my short time in Lorain what it was that I loved so much about our district and community. My answer remains unchanged from my first day as superintendent to now: Lorain is a place where everybody hugs everybody, and they mean it. And over the course of the past two and a half years, my feelings of respect for our community and passion for serving our students, families and staff has continually grown. "Lorain Pride" is more than a catch phrase here - it's a way of life. And I will miss it dearly. As I move on to the next phase of my career, I want to be sure I extend my appreciation to all of the fine people who make Lorain so special. I would like to thank the Board of Education and Mayor Ritenauer for their courageous and steadfast leadership. It is during times of great challenge that leaders demonstrate who they really are, and I can assure you that no matter the circumstances, they supported you with unquestionable honor. What's more, they consistently demonstrated themselves to be selfless leaders - people who made every decision based on what they believed to be in the best interest of children of Lorain. I admire their unwavering support and the dignity with which they represent our community. I would like to thank the employees in the Lorain City Schools for their tireless commitment to our students and their trust in collaboration as we worked together to meet the needs of those in our care. The Lorain City Schools is fully representative of the community it serves: strong, resilient and talented people who freely make personal sacrifices for the benefit of others. I have every confidence in your ability to ensure our students succeed. Perhaps most of all I’d like to thank the the Lorain City School community as a whole. From day one, you welcomed me and treated me like family. Your hospitality is generous, kind, and wholly unforgettable. I am honored to have shared this time with you. In the year ahead I plan to work through the Educational Services Center of Lorain County to support and the many districts on the path to being identified in Academic Distress. But please know you will always have a friend and supporter in me, no matter where I make my professional home. Thanks, Jeff
