Avon Local Schools Names Interim Superintendent
Avon Local Schools has selected retired veteran administrator Dr. Michael Zalar to serve as interim superintendent for the 2025–2026 school year. The district’s Board of Education announced the appointment on June 26, pending official approval at its upcoming July 14 meeting.
Zalar will step in for outgoing superintendent Ben Hodge, who is leaving to become assistant superintendent at Polaris Career Center. Zalar will officially begin his role on August 1, but will be present throughout July to ensure a smooth transition.
Zalar emerged as the top choice from a pool of 10 applicants. The selection follows the board’s decision on June 10 not to move forward with a previously considered candidate, retired Waterloo Superintendent Joseph Clark, amid concerns from staff and community members about past leadership issues and ethics concerns.
Zalar brings decades of leadership experience, having served as superintendent in Oregon, North Olmsted, and Tiffin.
