John Krupinski, the Strongsville Schools' assistant superintendent for human resources, will take over as superintendent when Jeff Lampert retires Aug. 1.

School Board member Ruth Brickley said board members interviewed Krupinski in closed-door session and subsequently offered him a two-year contract, which he accepted.

"He has a vision to move the district forward," Brickley said. 

The board will formalize the contract at its work session June 7.

Krupinski said the appointment is "truly and honor."

"I feel very strongly it's an honor and a privilege to serve as superintendent of the Strongsville City Schools," he said.

He has worked for Strongsville since 1998, serving as principal of Zellers and then Kinsner elementary schools. In 2007, he became the district's director of human resources, and in 2009 moved into his current position.

He started his career as a teacher and before coming to Strongsville, served as prinicipal of St. Albert the Great in North Royalton from 1982 to 1998. 

"John is highly respected by everyone who works with him," Board President David Frazee said. "I've not heard one bad thing about John."

Brickley said the board interviewed only Krupinski, hoping to be able to hire from within.

"With (teacher) negotiations and the (proposed middle school) bond issue coming up, it would be difficult for someone outside to come in right now," she said.

Had the board members not felt Krupinski was right for the job, they would have started a national search, she said.

Frazee also said board members felt they had "a well-suited in-house candidate" in Krupinski.

Both Brickley and Frazee said district staff was informed of the move and both have already received emails from employees who are happy with the choice.

"We've come so far in the last few years," Brickley said. "We don't want to change that positive climate now."