Goshen Local Schools will have new leadership next fall after long-time Superintendent Darrell Edwards announced his retirement Monday.
Edwards, a Goshen graduate himself, has been superintendent for the last 12 years. He presented his retirement resignation to the Goshen Board of Education at their regular meeting on May 15, and the Board voted to accept it. The retirement becomes effective Aug. 1, 2023.
“This is a decision that I have been mulling over for several months now, and it was one of the most difficult of my life. I love being superintendent at Goshen Local Schools! Goshen Local Schools is an incredible place filled with incredible students, staff, and families.” Edwards said. “But the time comes when a decision must be made and I’m excited to begin this next chapter.”
Edwards has worked at Goshen in multiple roles over the years. He was the principal of Spaulding Elementary and then Goshen Local Schools assistant superintendent before becoming superintendent in 2011. Edwards has also worked at Milford and Williamsburg school districts.
Board President John Benthien said the Board was grateful for Edwards’s positive leadership over the years.
“We were very reluctant to accept Darrell’s resignation. He has been such a good leader for our schools,” he said. “But we know he is excited to head into retirement and we wish him all the best. We are confident and excited that Brian and Theresa will continue our 'Tradition of Excellence.'"
While accepting Edwards’s resignation, the Board named Brian Bailey, the current assistant superintendent as the new superintendent of Goshen Local Schools, and Theresa Scherzinger, the current director of curriculum and instruction as the new assistant superintendent.
Edwards said he was pleased to see the district would be in capable hands.
“The district is in a good place, both educationally and financially. Growth will continue to be a challenge, but we have become adept at coming up with creative solutions to meet these challenges,” Edwards said. “Brian and Theresa are outstanding educational leaders and will do an incredible job. They will work with the entire staff to do what’s best for our students and their families.”
This superintendent role will be Bailey’s first and he said he was grateful for the Board’s confidence in him.
“It is the honor of my career to serve as the next superintendent of Goshen Local Schools,” he said. “Over my 13-year career with the district I have learned what a true school community really is. Our teachers, administrators and support staff make Goshen a very special place for our students and their families.
“Working alongside Darrell has been a wonderful experience and he will be greatly missed,” he said.
Scherzinger, also a Goshen graduate, said she was excited to begin her new role.
“I am honored to have been appointed as the assistant superintendent of the Goshen Local School District,” she said. “It is a privilege to continue to serve the district that has played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today, where I attended school, where my children are growing up, and where I have worked for 20 years. Goshen is a district of excellence, with the very best staff and students, and I look forward to serving the community in the years to come.”