Orr said that he and his fiancée were eyeing the Cincinnati area to be closer to her family, and that he was “elated” when the Hamilton position became available.
“It’s a progressive school district, and it’s a city that’s being revitalized,” he said. “To positively affect students and staff and the community is going to be the pinnacle of my career, and I’m honored and humbled to be able to do that.”
He said he was excited to work with the district’s teachers, board, and administration to further improve the school district.
Orr, currently a Dayton resident, is a graduate of Northwestern Local Schools in Springfield, received his bachelor’s degree in secondary English from Wright State University and his master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Dayton.
He called the move out of his home district “bittersweet.”
“It’s been an honor to help my alma mater not only build new buildings, but improve the academic standards of the students. It’s hard to say good bye to your hometown,” he said.
But he said he is looking forward to moving to Hamilton, having spent time in the city at Operation Pumpkin festivals and attending youth football games, and said that he will make time in the coming months to become more acquainted with the city and district ahead of his official start date.
Orr has been superintendent of Northwestern Local for seven years, and also served as assistant superintendent and middle school principal for eight years in Huber Heights City Schools, and was a middle and high school English teacher in both Troy City and Huber Heights City schools.
He said his experience in the Huber Heights school system has prepared him to move to a more urban district.
“As I look at Hamilton, and I look at our performance on past report cards, there are some growth areas where we will work together to improve, but there are so many great things going on in Hamilton,” he said. “I believe that in Hamilton, we are more than our report card.”
“The positive relationships that we build with our students and community will ultimately make the difference in helping students achieve,” he said.
He was recognized by middle school students as “Teacher of the Year” two times. He received an Outstanding Achievement Team Award in Education for work with students with disabilities. He received the Citizen Education Award from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
Hamilton Board of Education member Dr. Glenn Stitsinger said the board will vote on Orr’s hire at tonight’s board meeting. If the hire is approved, Orr will submit his resignation at the next Northwestern Local Schools system, and will assist them in finding his replacement, he said.
“We were looking for a qualified instructional leader and we think we have found a great match,” he said. “We hope Mr. Orr will be the face of our district for years to come. He has pledged to work with all facets of our schools and community.”
Baker’s contract expires on July 31; Orr’s two-year contract starts on Aug. 1. His salary will be $145,000 per year; his current salary is $124,000 per year, Orr said.
Orr was one of three final candidates that the Board of Education was considering for Baker’s replacement. Baker announced her upcoming retirement this past November.
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