Clintondale school boss in the running for Ohio education superintendent – Macomb Daily

A Macomb County educator is in the running to become the next public education chief in Ohio.

Rodriguez Broadnax, superintendent of Clintondale Community Schools in Clinton Township, is one of 28 candidates looking to oversee education policies as state superintendent, according to multiple reports.

The Columbus Dispatch reported Ohio Superintendent Paolo DeMaria retired in September, and Stephanie Siddens has filled the position on an interim basis.

Broadnax, 43, has more than 22 years of service in public education in various roles serving as a superintendent, administrator, school principal, behavior specialist, high school teacher and athletic coach in several states.

The Clintondale Board of Education hired him last May to become the 13th superintendent in the district’s 67-year history.

According to his application, Broadnax supervises and manages the executive and senior management of the district, developed a new strategic plan, and developed a district cabinet and administrative council.

Broadnax says his background and has provided him with the expertise and experience necessary to serve as chief of Ohio’s public education.

“Schools under my leadership have made several lasting improvements including improved student achievement, high growth on district and state assessments improved staffing, (and) greater communication advancements among all stakeholders,” he wrote in letter to the state.

Among his career stops, Broadnax formerly was superintendent of Noxubee County School District in Mississippi, where he worked to turn around financial, academic and accreditation status of one of the most underperforming districts in the country.

He has also served in a variety of roles in Indiana, North Carolina and Nevada school districts.

According to Cleveland.com, the roster of candidates include a former U.S. Department of Education official, former Ohio Board of Education member, and officials in the Maryland, Massachusetts and Nevada departments of education.

A decision is expected to be made in the coming weeks.