Kuhn will oversee a district with more than 1,900 students, about 450 staff members and an annual budget of about $22 million.
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“I look forward to serving the students and the staff,” Kuhn said. “As a resident of the district and having kids that attend the district, I have a vested interest in the success of our schools.”
Kuhn made a little more than $99,000 as assistant superintendent. His salary as superintendent is still under negotiation, he said. Morris makes about $120,000 annually, according to public records.
Kuhn holds a Bachelor’s degree in middle childhood education from Wittenberg University and a Master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Dayton. He has worked for Clark-Shawnee for seven years, first as principal at Possum School before becoming assistant superintendent.
He said he looks forward to serving as superintendent.
“I am excited and honored to be appointed to the role,” he said.
One of his strengths coming into the job is that he’s familiar with the district and its goals, Kuhn said. For instance, teachers are focusing on individualized learning to help students succeed, he said.
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“I’m able to continue moving forward toward our vision and goals,” Kuhn said.
He’s also familiar with Clark-Shawnee’s plans to build and renovate schools, he said, which is a top priority in the district.
“With our facility project, it will support the work that our staff does in the classroom every day,” Kuhn said.
The district has a bright future, he said, but there will always be challenges. Managing money is always tough, he said, and state funding cuts don’t make it any easier.
But district leaders work hard to spend it wisely, he said.
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“We continue to be conservative with our budgeting and spending and doing the best we can with every dollar that is entrusted to us,” Kuhn said.
In a statement, Clark-Shawnee Board President Michelle Garrett said Kuhn has leadership qualities and familiarity with the district that made him the top pick.
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