Avon Local Schools to name Ben Hodge as next Superintendent

Pending the approval of the Avon Local Schools Board of Education (BOE) at Wednesday night’s Special Meeting (April 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Avon Middle School), Ben Hodge will begin the 2021-2022 school year as the new Superintendent for the Avon Local Schools. The BOE is scheduled to approve a three-year contract to begin July 1, 2021. Hodge succeeds Mike Laub, who was recently named Superintendent for the North Royalton City Schools.

Hodge is currently the Assistant Superintendent for the Avon Local Schools, a position he has held since 2017. Previously, Hodge was the Curriculum Director for the district from 2014 to 2017. He came to Avon after working in the Westlake City Schools as a principal. Hodge has also held principal positions within the Berea City School district. He began his teaching career in 1998 in the Strongsville City Schools. In addition to his educational roles, Hodge has also coached basketball. His community involvement includes serving as a North Coast Rotary board member, as well as the Avon Lake travel basketball board. 

 “We are impressed with the work that Ben has done in his seven years with the Avon Local Schools, said Tara Tatman, Avon Local Schools Board of Education president. “He has been an integral part in introducing new curriculum to the district, and helping to lead our teachers and students into a new way of learning. The Avon Local Schools continue to achieve great success and the Board of Education felt that it only made sense to promote the person that has had a hand in helping to develop this district to where it is today. We are excited to work with Ben and for him to continue the many great things he has started in our school district.”

 Hodge holds a Masters of Education Administration degree and superintendent licensure from Cleveland State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Baldwin Wallace University. 

 “I’m honored to be able to lead a district that has such a dedicated staff, hardworking students, and very supportive families and community partnerships,” said Hodge. “We will continue to strive to provide great opportunities for our students in and out of the classroom. I have been fortunate to be able work alongside Mike Laub for the past seven years. Mike is an amazing leader who has always looked out for what is the best for all students. I’m grateful I have been given this opportunity to serve the Avon Local Schools and will continue to lead with the same philosophy.” 

 Hodge resides in Avon Lake with his wife, Robyn. Their daughter, Hailey, is a senior at Avon Lake High School and their son, Hayden, is a freshman at Avon Lake High School.