YOUNGSTOWN — John Richard, chairman of the Youngstown Academic Distress Commission, will become the state’s interim superintendent of public instruction beginning Sept. 25 — a day after the current superintendent, Paolo DeMaria, retires.

DeMaria, 58, notified the Ohio Department of Education this month of his intent to retire. DeMaria has served as the superintendent of public instruction for five years. He has worked in education for 30 years and was appointed in May 2016.

Richard, who at the state level is deputy superintendent of public instruction, and at the local level is chairman of the Youngstown commission, worked for 10 years as a part-time instructor in the University of Akron’s school principalship program. He has 30 years of field experience ranging from classroom teacher to district superintendent.

As a district leader, he saw steady gains in student performance from 2005 to 2013.

From 2013 to 2015, Richard led the review and revision of Ohio’s Operating Standards for Schools and was the education department’s liaison for district academic distress commissions.

Richard will serve as the interim superintendent until a permanent one is begins a new term. As the interim, Richard will see his hourly salary increase from $85.74 to $97.27.

He is out of the office and could not be reached about whether he will remain active on the Youngstown commission.

Current Youngstown Board of Education President Ronald Shadd noted Richard has been involved with the Youngstown schools for many years.

“He is very knowledgeable of the district’s opportunities and challenges,” Shadd said. “Most importantly, Dr. Richard has worked collaboratively with the board of education. I believe his approach for problem solving will be an attribute to Youngstown, Lorain and East Cleveland.” These three districts have academic distress commissions in Ohio.

Shadd, who has not spoken to Richard, said he does not know how Richard’s role may or may not change on the ADC, not having spoken with him since the announcement was made.

“I was made aware of this after our (last) board meeting,” Shadd said. “However, this week I do have a meeting with Dr. Richard.”

Youngstown Schools Chief Executive Officer Justin Jennings said he has developed a good working relationship with Richard.

“He has worked closely with us and he cares deeply about our district, our scholars and their academic success,” Jennings said. “He’s helped to lay the groundwork for progress at the Youngstown City School District. We expect to keep in close contact with him in his new role.”