North Olmsted City Schools has appointed Jessica Barwacz as the new principal of Pine Intermediate School, effective August 1, 2023. Barwacz, who currently serves as the assistant principal at Dover Center Road School, will succeed Jim Alexandrou, who is set to retire after 32 years with the district on December 11, 2023.
Superintendent Chris Caleris expressed confidence in Barwacz’s capabilities, noting her two years of experience in the district. “Jess has been there the last two years as their assistant principal, so it was just the obvious fit and direction we wanted to go,” Caleris stated. He emphasized the positive interactions she has had with the staff, students, and families in her role.
As Alexandrou prepares to leave, the transition aims to maintain stability and continuity at Pine Intermediate School. “Mr. Alexandrou will definitely be missed,” Caleris commented, indicating that Alexandrou will assist in various capacities during the early part of the school year. “We felt like the transition to move into having Jess jump into that role to start the year made sense. She’s going to do an amazing job.”
Barwacz is a graduate of North Olmsted City Schools, having completed her bachelor’s degree at Bowling Green State University and earned a master’s degree in educational administration from Ashland University. Before her current position, she served as the interim assistant principal at the high school level and spent a decade as a principal in Elyria City Schools.
In a statement, Barwacz expressed her enthusiasm for her new role. “I’m honored to be selected as the principal at Pine Intermediate. It’s exciting to be an administrator in the district in which I graduated from many years ago,” she said. She committed to collaborating with staff, students, and families to ensure positive outcomes, particularly during the transition to a new elementary building.
This leadership change at North Olmsted City Schools reflects a commitment to fostering a supportive educational environment as it prepares for the upcoming school year.
