Spotlight of the Week: Kristy Venne, M.Ed.
Championing Innovation, Partnerships, and Pathways for Every Learner
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, leaders who merge creativity with strategy and heart with innovation stand out as catalysts for real change. One such leader is Kristy Venne, M.Ed., a dynamic educator, community connector, and advocate for student-centered learning with over two decades of service to schools, families, and communities across Ohio.
Born in Columbus, Ohio, Kristy’s journey reflects both dedication and vision. A proud alumna of Olentangy High School and The Ohio State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Art Education, Kristy also holds PK–12 Principal Licensure and a Superintendent License, credentials that reflect both her academic rigor and her leadership acumen.
Building Systems that Prepare Students for Life Beyond the Classroom
From her early days as a Visual Arts Teacher, Kristy inspired creativity and curiosity in her students, values that continue to guide her leadership philosophy. Her transition into administrative and district leadership roles showcased her ability to scale these values into systems-level innovation.
As the first Director of Emerald Campus in Dublin City Schools, she led the transformation of a former four-story Verizon call center into a vibrant, modern learning environment. Guided by design thinking and collaboration, she created a culture where both teachers and students could “fail forward,” explore, and thrive. Under her leadership, enrollment grew from 800 to 1,500 students, and new academies such as the Aviation Academy, Biomed Academy, IT Academy, Entrepreneur Academy, and Dublin Teacher Academy took shape redefining secondary education as a launchpad for career and life readiness.
Strategic Leadership Rooted in Community
Kristy’s influence extends well beyond classroom walls. As Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships, she strengthened the bridge between Dublin City Schools and the wider community, cultivating partnerships that connected students to real-world opportunities while aligning educational goals with local workforce needs.
Her leadership was also instrumental in introducing tools like SchooLinks and YouScience, helping students discover their purpose, strengths, and career pathways through personalized exploration. She championed the “Four E’s: The Many Pathways to Success” initiative, reframing success beyond the traditional “college-for-all” model and validating every learner’s unique journey, whether toward education, employment, enlistment, or entrepreneurship.
During the pandemic, Kristy spearheaded the establishment of district-wide Esports, now a thriving extracurricular ecosystem producing state champions and tech innovators. Her coordination of the superintendent’s seven advisory councils and co-authorship of the district’s Strategic Plan further underscored her capacity for strategic foresight and collaborative governance.
Commitment Beyond the District
A passionate advocate for community engagement, Kristy has served as a Board Member for Visit Dublin Ohio and the Dublin Education Foundation, where she continues to champion programs that enhance education and community growth.
A Leader, Mother, and Visionary
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kristy’s personal story is one of balance, purpose, and family. She has been married for 25 years to her high school sweetheart, David Venne, and together they are raising two children who attend Dublin Coffman High School, alongside their two beloved Great Danes.
