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Kent City SD introduces new Holding Elementary principal, highlights 'family' culture
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Summary
The Kent City School District introduced David (Dave) Rubida as the incoming principal at Holding Elementary. The board and district leaders praised his background in early childhood education and school leadership; Rubida said he was "beyond excited" to join the district.
The Kent City School District on Tuesday introduced David Rubida as the district's incoming principal at Holding Elementary, naming his academic background and past school awards and describing him as a visible, relationship-focused leader.
Anthony Horton, director of personnel, introduced Rubida to the Board of Education and a packed meeting room, saying Rubida holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Washington & Jefferson College, a master’s in early childhood education from John Carroll University and an administrative license from Cleveland State University. Horton summarized Rubida’s career, saying he taught eight years in Streetsboro City Schools, served briefly as dean of students and, since August 2020, has been assistant principal at Tallmadge Elementary School.
“While he was a teacher in Streetsboro, he won a Streetsboro City Schools Educator of the Year Award in 2017, and at Tallmadge he was the Elementary School Staff Member of the Year in 2023,” Horton said. He added that reference checks indicated Rubida “cares about kids, he's very visible, [and] knows how to build relationships with staff and parents and students.”
“I’m just beyond excited for the opportunity,” Rubida said. “I love that family feeling. I just feel that here at Kent. I’m eager to get started.”
Superintendent Tom Larkin thanked Rubida and framed the welcome as both recognition of the hire and an encouragement: “We want to celebrate you for what you do every day… You start every kid's day and you end every kid's day, and you all get both of you especially … a smile on their face and it makes a difference in our kids’ lives,” Larkin said, addressing the transportation staff earlier in the report and stressing appreciation for front-line employees.
The district did not take a formal vote at the public introduction; the presentation served as an announcement and welcome. The district noted Rubida had completed reference checks and that his official start and contract details are handled through the personnel process described later in the meeting.
