Air Camp introduces former Northwestern superintendent as new executive director

“Dr. Steiner’s experiences and proven record of visionary leadership make him the ideal choice to guide Air Camp as we expand our reach and impact to inspire the next generation of STEM innovators and leaders,” Vince Russo, chair of Air Camp’s board of trustees, said in a statement.

Steiner has more than 30 years of experience in education, including 14 years as a school superintendent. He has developed virtual and in-person learning experiences, Air Camp said.

Steiner was superintendent of Northwestern Local Schools from 2015 to November 2023. He then served as a consultant to the district.

Credit: HANDOUT

Credit: HANDOUT

Steiner resigned the district’s superintendency under what the district said was a mutual agreement described as being “in the best interest of all parties.”

“I am thrilled to join the Air Camp team,” Steiner said in Air Camp’s announcement Wednesday. “I consider this opportunity a perfect alignment of my passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and aviation education with my background in educational leadership.

“Air Camp’s esteemed reputation for delivering dynamic, hands-on, and high-quality educational experiences for both students and educators was a key factor in my decision to join,” he added.

“He’s got obviously a strong background in education, a real passion for STEM education and aviation,” Russo said in an interview Thursday. “He’s got a good ability to relate to the community and be a good representative for the camp. We’ve been really pleased with his background and his capabilities.

“We were well aware of everything,” he added.

At the time of his transition, the school district released a statement saying it “wishes to make it clear that this decision is not a result of any professional misconduct or impropriety and that the transition was a mutual agreement between the board and Mr. Steiner.”

Air Camp was officially launched in 2010. It attracts hundreds of students to Dayton every year, but counting the teachers who receive the camp’s training and the students they teach, Air Camp leaders say the organization’s reach is closer to 16,000 or more students.