New superintendent Paul Lombardo to start Aug. 1; outlines listening tour and priorities

Dr. Paul Lombardo, the incoming superintendent for Geneva Area City Schools, introduced himself to the City Council at its July 14 meeting and said he will begin his duties Aug. 1.

"I start August 1, but I've been doing a lot of listening and learning and doing, just talking with different people, just trying to get to know the community," Lombardo told council. He said he has worked in education for 30 years, including early teaching work in Maui and roles as a teacher, assistant principal and principal in Ohio schools, and most recently as director of human resources and assistant superintendent in Cleveland Heights-University Heights Schools.

Lombardo said his vision is for the district to be a leader in curriculum and to be "the number 1 district in the area, in the state," while acknowledging the work required to achieve that. He emphasized open communication: "I truly believe in open lines of communication. My email is out there and actually my email, I have my cell phone right on my email . . . I'd rather people call me if they have something," Lombardo said.

Council members thanked Lombardo for attending and encouraged collaboration between the city and schools. Lombardo said he looks forward to community conversations and to working with local leaders to support students.

(Ending) Lombardo asked residents to reach out and said he intends to continue meeting community members as he begins his tenure on Aug. 1.