OLIVESBURG — James “Jim” Grubbs may be new to the Crestview Local School District, but the incoming superintendent is ready to jump right in.
The Crestview board of education voted to hire Grubbs at its Monday night meeting. Grubbs’ two-year contract includes a salary of $102,000 and an Aug. 1 start date.
“Word’s can’t explain how excited I am,” Grubbs said. “Knowing people in the school and community provided me insight into the quality of staff and students Crestview has.
“To have that ability to be with a group of educators, professionals and community who really rally around their school is so important to me. I want to be a part of that.”
Grubbs will replace superintendent Randy Dunlap, who is leaving to become the superintendent at Blanchester Local Schools. Dunlap has been with the district since 2014.
“It’s hard leaving here. This is a great place. We’ve got great people and great kids.” Dunlap said. “Mr. Grubbs will do a phenomenal job. I’ve known Jim for seven years. He is classy, he is organized, he’s detailed, he’s passionate.”
The school board received 22 applications for the superintendent position and interviewed seven candidates before making its decision.
“Jim Grubbs is an all-around, 360-degree candidate that meets the needs of our school district,” board president Dave Kissel said. “Jim displayed high energy and enthusiam to move Crestivew to the next level in all areas.”
Grubbs is originally from Mansfield but resides in Ashland with his family. He holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Ohio State and a master’s in educational administration from Ashland University.
After graduating from Mansfield Senior High School in 1980, Grubbs worked six years for Cole Tool and Die. He began his career in education as an adjunct instructor for North Central State College’s tool-and-die program, then spent four years as an assistant principal in Mansfield City Schools.
Grubbs worked for 13 years at Pioneer Career and Technology Center, including six as director of business operations. During that time, he oversaw a $32 million facility renovation project. He later served as the superintendent of Galion City Schools and spent last year as an interim superintendent at Tiffin City Schools.
Grubbs said his primary goal coming in is to get to know the staff and community.
“I think it’s important to get to know people, our staff in particular, before we can work together to build the goals and the metrics that’s going to drive the school district forward into the future,” he explained.
