Seasoned educator and Lake County native Craig Heath embarks on his next chapter as superintendent of Mentor Public Schools

By Mimi Vanderhaven

Mentor Public Schools kicked off the school year with a change in leadership. Meet new Superintendent Craig Heath.

Mentor Board of Education President Mary Bryner remarks that he is the perfect fit to lead the team of dynamic educators in the school system.

“It is clear Superintendent Heath has a passion for public education and has demonstrated extremely strong leadership skills throughout his career,” she says.

Superintendent Heath has spent his entire career in Ohio, working in Delaware City Schools, Dublin and Hilliard school systems.

This Lake County native is a graduate of Perry High School, as well as Kent State University and The Ohio State University. Additionally, he is currently pursuing his Educational Doctorate in Educational Administration from Ohio State. Before moving into administration, Superintendent Heath started his impressive career teaching Spanish here in Mentor at Lake Catholic High School.

He believes the mission of a school district should be to identify and develop the unique gifts and talents of the students, and improve those talents through world-class instruction, authentic learning experiences and innovative programming that meets the interests of each student.

“The high expectations that are an obvious part of the Mentor community mirror my own values, and I cannot wait to get to work in this high-caliber, innovative school district,” he says.

Mentor City Schools wishes former Superintendent Bill Porter best of luck in his new position as principal of Sterling Morton Elementary School. During his five years of leadership, he successfully guided the district through the challenging pandemic years.

“With an exceptional team of teachers, administrators and support staff in place and the continued support of our community, I am confident our students remain in good hands and Mentor Schools will continue to serve our community well as we move forward,” says Bill.

The Mentor School system educates 7,600 students from pre-K to 12th grade in seven elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school and one school for students with autism. For more information, visit MentorSchools.net.