The Rocky River City Schools Board of Education began the first step in its search for a new superintendent this month.
Current Superintendent Dr. Michael G. Shoaf announced to the Board of Education in March that he plans to retire on Dec. 31, 2025. Shoaf has been the superintendent since 2007.
The board has retained the services of Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA), a consulting firm based in Illinois that specializes in assisting school boards in identifying and recruiting executive-level educational leaders.
A series of focus groups for parents, community members and other stakeholder groups recently took place over the course of the past two weeks.
An online survey was also available for stakeholder feedback to assist the board in developing a profile and selection criterion that match the priorities of the community and that meet the needs of the students in the district.
"The community engagement phase is ongoing, and is being facilitated by our consultants," said Jessica Wilson, president of the Rocky River City Schools Board of Education, in an email. "The consultants will present a report of the findings in a Leadership Profile to the board at our meeting on November 4. The next step is for this Leadership Profile to be posted with the current job posting. We expect the application period to close in early January, and hope to name a superintendent in March."
Learning series: Parents and guardians are invited to attend an evening with Bay Village Schools Psychologist Richard Bogielski to learn more about digital distractions, digital addiction and brain development as it relates to K-12 students.
The program will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 14 in the Bay Middle School cafeteria, 27725 Wolf Road.
New hair salon: Bay Hair Lounge is opening this week at 585 Dover Center Road. The family-friendly salon and barbershop is owned by Marco and Hannah Lugo with a combined 18 years of experience. For more information, go to bayhairlounge.com.
School open house: Incoming kindergartners and new families are invited to an Open House at Saint Raphael Parish School from 7 to 8 p.m. Nov. 6 at 525 Dover Center Road. For more information, go to saintraphaelparish-school.com.
Holiday market: It's that time of year to reserve your spot for the Village Project's annual Holiday Market. Vendors are needed for the Dec. 5 event at 27378 West Oviatt Road.
The vendor fee is $35. Table sizes range from 2.5 x 8, 2.5 x 6, to 3 x 5. Tables are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, with similar size options. For extra-large tables, two vendors may be paired together. To register, go to givebutter.com/vpholidayvendor.
Shout-out: Congratulations to BMX freestyle rider Huck Kurinsky, 9, on his third consecutive USA BMX Freestyle National Championship title. Huck, a fourth-grader at Westerly Elementary School, recently competed at the US Cycling Olympic Training Center in South Jordan, Utah.
ROCKY RIVER
Jewelry showcase: The River Gallery's 15th annual Jewelry Invitational Opening Reception is from 3 to 6 p.m. Nov. 9 at 19046 Old Detroit Road. The show will also be on view throughout the holiday season for the public to purchase gifts.
For more information go to rivergalleryarts.com.
Art and craft show: The Fall Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 9; and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 10 at Rocky River Memorial Hall, 21016 Hilliard Blvd.
Admission is $3 and children under 12 are free. The event supports the Cleveland Animal Protective League.
WESTLAKE
Leaf collection: Fall leaf collection begins this week. Residents are encouraged to review the collection guidelines before raking leaves to the curb. Remember to follow the daily leaf update to see where crews are working. For more information, go to cityofwestlake.org/411/Leaf-Collection-Services.
Wellness clinic: ReVive Wellness Clinic recently opened at Gemini Tower I, 1991 Crocker Road, Suite 600. The clinic is dedicated to helping clients achieve weight loss goals through personalized, comprehensive care. For more information, go to reviveclewellness.com.
Health fair: The Westlake Porter Public Library's annual health fair is from 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 2 at 27333 Center Ridge Road.
The fair includes health screenings, health programs, information from various health groups, and a prize drawing.
"Harmonizing Mind and Body: The Power of Sound Frequencies and Meditation" will take place from 1-2 p.m. Yoga teacher and Yogi's Karma owner Crissy Stelmaschuk will give participants a look at the beneficial effects sound frequencies and meditation can have. Following the discussion, attendees will be guided through a brief meditation accompanied by a sound bath.
From 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. a representative from the Alzheimer's Association will explore how communication takes place when someone has Alzheimer's during an "Alzheimer's Disease: Effective Communication Strategies" presentation.
Registration is required for both programs, go to westlakelibrary.org/events.
Available health screenings include vision screenings, hearing screenings, and blood pressure and stroke risk assessments. All screenings will be done on a drop-in basis and registration is not necessary.
In addition to the screenings, several area health-related organizations will be on-site.
For more information, go to westlakelibrary.org.
Shout-out: The Westlake Fire Department recently visited Westlake Elementary School to engage with students during Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 6-12), educating students on safety skills and emergency responses. A colorful fire safety house inflatable was a highlight, offering interactive learning experiences about how to prevent fires and what to do if one occurs.