Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
Lake Local Schools superintendent Marjoe Cooper announced on Tuesday that Terry Tansel has been hired as the new principal at Lake Elementary, effective Aug. 1.
He replaces Mandy Wilburn, who resigned in December.
“During the month of March, we conducted an exhaustive search for our new principal, and (I) feel very confident in the abilities and experience that Mr. Tansel will bring to the team," Cooper said. "We look forward to his leadership in making Lake Elementary School a fantastic learning environment for our students and staff alike.”
Tansel spent his first 12 years as an educator at Lake Schools as a junior high and high school teacher. He has since spent the past 12 years as an assistant principal at Fallen Timbers Middle School in the Anthony Wayne School District.
“Throughout the interview process, Mr. Tansel was very impressive in regards to his vision and plan to bring some consistency, true educational leadership, and a positive climate and culture to the building,” Cooper said. “Terry's experience as an assistant principal for the last 12 years allows him to bring a wide range of skills and tactics that align with our vision of school and district improvement while giving our students the best education possible.
“Terry carries a presence that will tremendously benefit the overall climate and culture of the building, and he has proved that he has the vision for improvement in several areas. We discussed several items including visibility, transparency, and ensuring that we are following the "4 C"s" (collaboration, consistency, communication, and commitment) with what our district is working on toward continuous improvement.”
Tansel, who served a short stint as Lake’s varsity head boys basketball coach in the 2000-01 season before taking over the role full-time from 2004-07, also recently competed in a game show called “The Floor” on FOX, where he finished in 10th place.
Tansel, who filmed the show in Dublin, Ireland last August, was eliminated by a 19-time Jeopardy champion.
Cooper specifically thanked Michelle Savickas, who has served as the interim principal since January. He said that she has been instrumental in continuing to move the building forward, and he wishes her well as she returns to Maumee Valley Country Day School to resume her leadership role there. Her last day at Lake will be June 13.
Cooper also thanks the members of the interview committee, as well as the parents, community members and staff who assisted throughout the process.
