Cynthia M. Deevers will become the new superintendent of the Streetsboro City School District beginning Aug. 1.
The Streetsboro Board of Education unanimously approved a three-year contract for Deevers as superintendent at its Feb. 1 meeting. Deevers will succeed Michael Daulbaugh, who is retiring after 14 years with the district.
Deevers has served students in Streetsboro schools for nearly 30 years in various roles, most recently as assistant superintendent since 2021.
“Throughout my career, I have had an interest in improving student outcomes,” Deevers said in a statement. “This desire to have a larger impact on student performance led me into administration. I continue to focus first on students, but as an administrator I recognize that positive student outcomes cannot be achieved without the combined efforts of staff and community. I understand the demands of education at the classroom level and during my career have worked to develop relationships with district stakeholders to meet these needs.”
Deevers earned a Bachelor of Science in education from Bowling Green State University and a Master in the Art of Teaching from Marygrove College. She completed her administrative course work at Ashland University.
Deevers began her Streetsboro schools career in 1994 as a general education teacher and interventionist at the elementary and secondary levels. She moved into administration as assistant principal from 2017-2019, followed by director of student services from 2019-2021. She became superintendent pro tempore in 2020-2021.
“We’re thrilled to have Cynthia transition into the superintendent role,” Board President Kristin Bedford said. “Her lifelong dedication to Streetsboro’s students, staff and community makes her an ideal fit to lead our district. Her willingness to adapt, grow and accept new challenges makes her uniquely qualified to be the next superintendent, and we look forward to the vision and stability that Cynthia will provide.”
Deevers and her family are deeply embedded in the Streetsboro community. For the past 30 years, Deevers has resided in Streetsboro with her husband and three children, all of whom graduated from Streetsboro schools.
She has served as the president of the Streetsboro United Soccer Club, was the educational coordinator of Streetsboro United Methodist Church and served on multiple levy committees through the years.
“Both my professional and community service allows me to not only understand but be able to develop solutions for what I see are the three greatest challenges facing Streetsboro City Schools in the future: academic achievement, financial stability and community interaction,” Deevers said.
“As a district, we have already implemented many programs that will steer us in the direction of academic achievement and have a leadership team in place that can make those programs work. Preparing for future changes and ensuring financial responsibility to all stakeholders is crucial. Maintaining open communication is essential in strengthening the partnership with our community. We will communicate fully about our accomplishments, as well as our challenges, to keep everyone informed and engaged.”
Tom Hardesty is a Portager sports columnist. He was formerly assistant sports editor at the Record-Courier and author of the book Glimpses of Heaven.