The South-Western City School District (SWCSD) Board of Education has tapped Worthington City Schools Assistant Superintendent Mr. Randy Banks to become the organization’s next Superintendent of Schools. Banks was board approved by a 5-0 vote on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at a special meeting of the Board of Education.
“For the first time in 17 years, the district found itself in uncharted waters to recruit and hire a superintendent,” said Chris Boso, board president. “As a district, we were also tasked with balancing academic growth and innovation while also preserving stability in the years to come. Prior to second round interviews, we knew that regardless of the eventual outcome, that we were incredibly blessed to be in a position to have both Mr. Randy Banks and Dr. Jamie Lusher as our two finalists who are two exemplary leaders in the field with a deep passion and an unparalleled dedication to helping students succeed. After long and careful consideration, ultimately, it was Mr. Banks whose innovative outlook, human resources expertise, and vision resonated most with the board during interviews. It is with great enthusiasm that the board will recommend him to become the district’s next superintendent and we look forward to partnering with him to help lead students and staff in the years to come.”
Banks returns to the South-Western City School District following 13 years as an administrator at Worthington City Schools where he currently is the district’s Assistant Superintendent. Prior to that, he served as Director of Human Resources for Worthington City Schools and the Director of Personnel for certificated staff at South-Western City Schools. Earlier on in his career at South-Western City Schools, Mr. Banks also served as the principal of both Brookpark Middle School (now Beulah Park Middle School) and Finland Middle School. Mr. Banks holds a M.A. in Educational Leadership from The Ohio State University.
“I am incredibly grateful to the Board of Education for their support and confidence in me and am resolved to hit the ground running in this new and unbelievable opportunity,” said Mr. Banks. “It truly is an honor and a privilege to serve this amazing, diverse district of over 21,000 students and 2,800 staff members in this next chapter of my career,” said Banks. From Darbydale to Galloway, Franklin Township to Grove City and everywhere in between, during my first stint in the district I became well acquainted with how each community we serve rallies behind their local schools. As we keep our eye on the future, I know these neighborhood-based communities and our incredible staff will continue to be strong partners in supporting students and their academic growth.”
While strong communities, a fiscally responsible financial position, and extraordinary academic opportunities were among the pride points Banks spoke about in staff and community forums, it was a personal affinity for the South-Western City School District’s staff that ultimately led him to apply for the position.
“Dating back to my days as a building principal and as a District Service Center (DSC) administrator, I often had a front row seat to the deep ties that the SWCSD staff had and proudly displayed in their work on a daily basis,” said Banks. “Whether it be driving a bus, serving meals, teaching, or countless other supporting roles, there is a sense of pride among the staff in the work they do and there are many second and third generation staff members giving back to their community through their dedicated service in public education. Beyond facilitating day-to-day teaching and learning, to also be in a position to come into an organization and be reunited with a highly respected colleague in the profession in that of Dr. Jamie Lusher is also a dream come true. Her work in the field is revered among colleagues in the profession and she has consistently left indelible impressions on the academic trajectory of children throughout her entire career. I look forward to working with her and the rest of our administrative team this summer to collaboratively build authentic opportunities to commit, connect, and contribute in new ways that will enhance both academic achievement and organizational culture in 2024 and beyond.”
Banks will officially assume the role as superintendent on August 1, 2024, but will engage in a number of transition days over the summer to plan for the 2024-2025 school year.