Innovative Springfield Superintendent Says Farewell After 30 Years

BY KAREN BERGER — MIRROR REPORTER
Innovative.
That’s the one recurring word used by parents, administrators and teachers to describe retiring Springfield Local Schools superintendent Dr. Cynthia Beekley.
“Under her leadership, the district has grown not only in enrollment, but with student success overflowing and the creation of many programs and opportunities,” said parent Amy Sanders, whose three children have attended Crissey Elementary and Springfield Middle School. “From academic enrichment programs to character education, she has not left one corner of the classroom unturned.”
Beekley, who retired on March 31 after nearly 30 years with Springfield Local Schools, didn’t set out to become a superintendent. The Pennsylvania native taught in Harrisburg for a year before her husband David transferred to Maumee. She dedicated herself to raising sons Alec and Matthew for nine years.
Then the Springfield High School principal offered her a job teaching English. She took the job and, four years later, was asked to step up as assistant principal.
“Doors open and you have to step through them,” she said.
After earning her doctorate degree from the University of Michigan, she joined the educational leadership department at Bowling Green State University but found herself missing public education. So when the position of assistant superintendent opened up at Springfield once again, she said: “I’ll try it.”
During her tenure, block scheduling, post-secondary options, Chinese and American Sign Language were added, advanced placement classes were expanded, and the schools implemented NovaNet technology, project-based learning and character education.
Springfield was one of the first districts to offer all-day, every-day kindergarten and a variety of programs to ensure that all students become proficient readers, including Students Helping Other Students (S.O.S.), Title I services, a summer reading program, Junior Great Books, Books for Breakfast and Books on Busses. Enrichment programs now include the Science Olympiad, Lego League, chess club and Power of the Pen.
The district has passed six levies and improved its state rating from “continuous improvement” to “effective,” a feat that Sanders says is due to Beekley’s open-mindedness to have candid discussions with the community and staff, and her ability to create an environment of teamwork.
“Cynthia has created a very agile organization that can respond to challenges,” said Sandra Frisch, superintendent of the Lucas County Educational Service Center. “Never does she sit back and say this is how it should be.”
As in most school systems, keeping up with state and federal requirements without taking away from academic time can be daunting. Beekley keeps up with constant changes by reading and tracking legislation. She credits a stable board of education – the newest member has been there for nine years – with being a positive influence.
“There’s a lot of teamwork and collaboration. When you see conflict in a district, it’s not good,” Beekley said.
Ev Harris has been on the board for 26 years and sees the transition from Beekley to new superintendent Kathryn Hott as a simple one.
“Cynthia goes out and gets the best out of everyone. Kathy is the same. She’s doing the best for every kid in the district,” Harris said.
Hott and Beekley have known one another for 20 years, since Hott has served as principal of Holland Elementary and Springfield Middle School, as director of curriculum and instruction and, until she was named as Beekley’s replacement, assistant superintendent.
“Dr. Beekley has laid a great foundation,” Hott said. “She’s a leader in the community as well as in the district.”
In addition to serving on the board of school-related organizations such as the Springfield Schools Foundation and SHAPE, Beekley also is a member of the Mobile Meals board, YMCA board, Leadership Toledo, Rotary Club, Holland Springfield Chamber of Commerce and The University of Toledo advisory board.
In her retirement, she plans to continue volunteering, but also hopes to rediscover hobbies she’s not had time for – such as painting.
While she’s looking forward to retirement, she’s certain she’ll miss the kids and the staff.
“This is a wonderful district,” she said. “The teachers and staff are always interested in the kids. They’re like family.”