POLAND — The interim superintendent for Poland Local Schools has a lengthy background of educational leadership.

Edwin Holland will serve as interim superintendent Nov. 1 through July 31, 2021. David Janofa, current superintendent, will stay on as a special assistant to Holland until Feb. 1.

According to Holland’s contract dated Oct. 28, he will receive a salary of $103,401.

He will have three paid personal leave days and 11 legal holidays, as well as 20 days of paid vacation.

“I’m honored to be selected” to lead Poland schools, Holland said.

The district’s programs, and the level of excellence expected and supported by students and the community, he said, make the opportunity something he is excited about.

The board accepted Janofa’s letter of resignation with the intent of retirement on Monday. In his letter, he stated he officially will begin retirement Feb. 1, 2021.

Holland said he wants to keep the district on its trajectory, but noted he also wants to “stabilize” the relationships within the district that were rocked when Janofa announced his retirement.

Since January 2018, Holland has been employed with NEOLA, formerly the North East Ohio Learning Associates.

Prior to that, Holland was superintendent with the Orange City Schools in Pepper Pike for four years, and superintendent with Cuyahoga Heights Schools from August 2011 until July 2013, and Cuyahoga Falls City Schools from 2005 until 2011.

Holland obtained a bachelor’s degree in education from Kent State University in 1985, followed by a master’s of education in 1992 from Bowling Green State University.

Holland earned his doctorate in education from Ashland University in 2003.

He has been married to wife Rhonda for 35 years and together they have two daughters, Ashley and Natalie.

EIGHT YEARS

Janofa came to the district in August 2013 when he succeeded Robert Zorn, who retired after more than 40 years with the district.

Janofa earned $104,000 annually for his first three years with the district.

Then on Aug. 1, 2016, his salary became $114,000 with automatic annual salary step increases of 2.25 percent.

Upon retirement, Janofa is entitled to one-third of all accumulated unused sick leave days to a maximum of 90 days.

On his most recent performance evaluation from Aug 1, 2018, to July 31, 2019, there were no sections marked “needs improvement.”

For communications / community relations, leadership skills, decision-making skills, personnel management, educational programs, political awareness, openness, support, judgment and response, he scored “meets expectations.”

For insightfulness, knowledgeable, enthusiasm, board / superintendent relations, operations, support services and facilities, budget and finance, all received “exceed expectations.”

“I’ve been blessed to be part of a tremendous school district,” Janofa said. “I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had over the last eight years, relationships that came and people I’ve come to know.”

During his tenure, Janofa said he’s had to make some tough decisions, with one of the most difficult being to close schools in an effort to save money.

Dobbins Elementary — which will be repurposed for office space — was closed along with North Elementary. In 2021, Poland Union Elementary will close.

“I’ve had to make some difficult, challenging decisions that I continue to stand by,” he said.

afox@tribtoday.com