Houston to head Conneaut schools

By MARK TODD - Staff Writer - mtodd@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

July 03, 2008 09:30 pm

— CONNEAUT — School leaders in Conneaut and Geneva continue to raid the other’s rosters for top administrative talent.
On Thursday, a few weeks after losing Superintendent Mary Zappitelli to Geneva, Conneaut’s Board of Education hired Geneva High School Principal Kent Houston to serve as her replacement. Houston will officially assume the job July 14, said Michael Kennedy, Conneaut board president.
The board unanimously selected Houston after emerging from a two-hour, early-morning executive session. He was awarded a two-year contract that runs through July 2010, Kennedy said.
Houston was one of two finalists for the job; the other was Robert Walls of Campbell.
“We had two outstanding candidates for the position,” Kennedy said. “That’s why it took so long (to hire).”
Houston, who still lives in Conneaut, is returning to familiar surroundings. He was principal at Conneaut High School for two years before heading west for the 2007-2008 year. Houston also worked as CHS assistant principal, was a teacher at the school and coached the Spartan varsity basketball team to several successful seasons.
“I’m really excited,” Houston said Thursday. “I believed I was the most qualified candidate, but it was a pretty grueling interview process.”
His wife and children were thrilled with the news. “My daughter gave me a big hug,” Houston said.
Knowledge of the district and the relationships he established and maintained will help Houston in his new role, he said. “It’s all a positive,” he said.
During his tenure as principal and assistant principal, CHS earned excellent ratings from the Ohio Department of Education, the only Ashtabula County high school so honored. Houston’s achievements over in a relatively short period of time was a consideration, board members said.
“Kent is a known commodity,” said member Nicholas Iarocci. “We’ve had experience with Kent. He is committed to Conneaut and his successes in the past helped (win votes).”
Board member Wallace Heinonen said several factors influenced his decision, including Houston’s Conneaut address.
“I want to give hometown boys an opportunity,” Heinonen said. “Kent is knowledgeable, a resident of the community and has a passion for the community. He has enthusiasm and desire.”
The Conneaut school district’s financial situation will be a priority issue with the new superintendent, Houston said.
The board is anxious to hear Houston’s ideas for the district. “I’m looking forward to what Kent has got in store for the future,” Iarocci said.
Houston’s exact compensation was not immediately available Thursday, but it’s believed he will be paid around $87,000 for his services. Zappitelli was paid around $93,000.
Eleven people applied for the job and six were interviewed by the board. The Ashtabula County Educational Services Center coordinated the search, and Kennedy was pleased with the help.