Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
Members of the Eastwood Local Schools board of education, along with district staff and community members, will welcome Brian Hughes as the district’s new superintendent on Aug. 1.
Hughes, who currently serves as a principal for Oak Harbor High School in the Benton-Carroll-Salem Local School District, was identified from a quality group of candidates from across the state after a search facilitated by the Ohio School Boards Association.
“I am honored and humbled to be named the next superintendent of Eastwood Local Schools,” Hughes said. “Eastwood has a strong reputation for academic excellence, a dedicated staff and a supportive community that places high value on student success and well-being.
“As I step into this role, my immediate priority is to listen, learn, and build relationships with students, families, staff and community members,” he said. ‘I believe deeply in the power of collaboration and transparency, and I am committed to working together to build on Eastwood’s strengths while facing future challenges with unity and purpose.
“Our schools are more than buildings—they are the heart of the community. I look forward to creating opportunities for meaningful engagement, ensuring every student has the tools and support they need to thrive, and continuing the district’s legacy of excellence,” he said.
Residents can meet Hughes during a gathering on May 7 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the elementary cafeteria.
Eastwood’s school board president, Randy Rothenbuhler, said a thorough process was followed.
“(The process) included planning with our facilitator, staff and community focus groups, reference checks, leadership assessments for our finalists and two rounds of interviews with the board of education,” he said. “The board is excited for this new chapter in our district’s history and looks forward to Brian’s strong leadership.”
Hughes started his professional career as a social studies teacher, which included time at Eastwood High School. He is currently working on a doctorate at the University of Findlay, and he completed his superintendent’s license coursework through Ashland University.
The Oak Harbor resident, who eventually plans to move to the Eastwood school district with his family, signed a three-year contract at $125,000 annually.
Rothenbuhler said he’s confident of the selection.
“The board appreciated the process and the opportunity to look at a diverse group of qualified candidates,” he said. “The search allowed us to reassure ourselves that Brian’s the right person for this position at this time. He has an open, collaborative leadership approach and will be highly visible in our schools.”
Brad Contat, a human resources director for Anthony Wayne Local Schools, finished as the runner-up in the search.
The search, which began on Feb. 12, saw the board also consider the following candidates: Brian Cannon, McPherson Middle School Principal in the Clyde-Green Springs School District; Justin Johnson, grades 6-12 principal at Gibsonburg Exempted Village Schools; Dr. Lori Pierce, the principal at Fremont City Schools; Mark Pugh, the principal at Sylvania Northview High School; Brian Rau, the superintendent for the Wellston City School District; and Dolores Swineford, the assistant superintendent/curriculum director for Evergreen Local Schools.
