Mrs. Julie Simmons has been selected as the new Ada Exempted Village Schools district superintendent. The announcement was made by Ron Fleming, the Board of Education President. The board is expected to approve the new superintendent's contract at a special board of education meeting; the date is yet to be determined. 

Mrs. Simmons will replace Denny Recker who has served as the Interim Superintendent for Ada over the past year. Mrs. Simmon's initial contract is for three years and her official start date will be July 1, 2024. 

The search identified several qualified candidates, according to Fleming. Following an initial round of interviews, three finalists were chosen. "We conducted a thorough process, and we thought all three of the finalists were exceptional candidates. We believe Mrs. Simmons brings skills and abilities that will really move our district to the next great level and are excited to begin working with her," he commented. 

The search process included school and community focus groups, a professional screening, extensive reference checks and multiple interviews. 

"We are very excited about offering this contract to Mrs. Simmons," Fleming continued. "In addition to Julie's experience as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Elida Schools, she brings experience as a former teacher and principal, as well as knowledge of school curriculum, academic improvement, and student achievement." 

The Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) assisted the Ada Exempted Village Board of Education in the search process, which was facilitated by Board and Management Services Consultant Quinn Maceyko.