Welcome to GCSSA's monthly eNews Communication featuring what you may have missed last month, and what's coming up in the near future. We hope you can take some time to read through the information provided to stay informed of insights and updates that have an impact on your district. As always, we appreciate your involvement and support!

Season of Gratitude: GCSSA Celebrates Growth and Partnerships in 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, the Greater Cleveland School Superintendents’ Association extends heartfelt appreciation to all district leaders across Northeast Ohio. Your steadfast leadership and commitment to serving Ohio’s students through times of change, challenge, and opportunity continue to inspire our work and mission.

“Our superintendents embody the best of public service, dedicated, resilient, and unwavering in their focus on students,” said Dr. Dennis Allen, GCSSA Executive Director. “As we close the year, I want to personally thank each of you for leading with courage and compassion. Your efforts make a difference every single day.”

Strengthening Partnerships Across Ohio

Collaboration remains at the heart of GCSSA’s success. In 2025, the association deepened its partnerships with educational service centers (ESCs) statewide. One highlight was the STRS informational event, hosted in September at the Summit County ESC, which drew strong attendance and valuable engagement from members.

GCSSA’s longstanding collaboration with the ESC of Northeast Ohio remains a model for effective regional partnership. Building on this momentum, GCSSA will partner with the Lorain County ESC on February 3 to host nationally recognized speaker Mark Perna, and with the ESC of Western Reserve on March 12 to share important updates on STRS. As the association continues to extend outreach to additional ESCs across the state, it remains committed to expanding access to high-quality professional learning, resources, and networking opportunities for all members.

Salary Survey Success: Greater Participation, Streamlined Design

This year’s GCSSA Salary Survey saw record engagement, with participation climbing to 49 districts, up significantly from 28 in previous years. The redesigned survey process was both faster and more accessible, taking less than one hour to complete (half the time of previous versions).

Members now have the option to grant access to additional district staff, making the tool even more practical for planning and negotiations. As always, participation in the survey provides the only access to the most current, comprehensive salary and benefits data available to Ohio’s district leaders.

Membership Growth and Momentum

GCSSA continues to grow in both reach and representation. Membership now includes 103 active superintendents and 41 retired superintendents, reflecting a strong and engaged professional community dedicated to advancing education leadership in Northeast Ohio.

This milestone underscores the association’s commitment to meaningful programming, professional advocacy, and responsive member support, key pillars that will guide GCSSA into the new year.

Looking Ahead

As we enter the holiday season, GCSSA celebrates a year of collaboration, progress, and community. Thank you to every member, partner, and supporter for your continued dedication. Together, we will continue to strengthen the leadership network that supports every student, school, and district across our region.



From all of us at GCSSA, warm wishes for a safe, restful, and joyful holiday season.

What's to come ...

"Deep Learning: Engage the World Change the World" on January 22

Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026

Location: Virtual (ZOOM)

Program Begins: 9:30 am

Join us for an inspiring virtual program presented in partnership with Cleveland State University, featuring Joanne Quinn, co-author of Deep Learning: Engage the World Change the World (with Michael Fullan and Joanne McEachen). Discover how deep learning empowers educators and students to create meaningful change.

 🖊️ To register, e-mail Teri Hedrick at thedrick@osconline.org.

Skills-Based Approach to Occupational Mobility and What Educators and Business Leaders Need to Know

Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Location: ESC of NEO

Program Begins: 9:30 am

Join us Tuesday, March 10, 2026, for a valuable session presented by Kyle D. Fee, policy advisor in the Community Development Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. In partnership with the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio, this session will explore how a skills-based approach can impact workforce development and collaboration between education and business.

 🖊️ To register, e-mail Teri Hedrick at thedrick@osconline.org.