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EAST PALESTINE – Former East Palestine City Schools Administrator James Rook will return to the district as superintendent, the Board of Education announced Monday.

“It is with great optimism that we welcome Mr. Rook back into our Bulldog community,” said East Palestine School Board President Jen Andre. “We have full confidence in his leadership abilities, his vision for the future and his dedication to continuing our quest for excellence among our students and staff.

Rook has previously held positions within the district as principal at the middle and high school levels, serving in those positions from 2015-2021.

Rook, a graduate of the University of Akron and Youngstown State University with a Master of Science in educational administration and state licensure in superintendency, most recently served as program supervisor and of education within the Trumbull County ESC.

“I am deeply touched and honored to return to a leadership role within these schools. » Tour said. “While much has changed over the past three years, the caring people who make up this community remain steadfast, and they are what make East Palestine such a special place to me. »

Rook will replace Chris Neifer as Palestine East superintendent. Neifer was hired by Boardman last month to fill the position that Tim Saxton will leave when he retires as superintendent on July 31. Neifer, who spent nearly a decade in East Palestine where he rose through the ranks from elementary school principal to secondary school principal (a position he returned to in 2015) to superintendent (the position he occupied since 2018), announced his resignation a few days after his hiring at Boardman

“I want to take this opportunity to recognize and congratulate Mr. Neifer. He played an immense role in my development as an educational leader. Tour said. “We were all very fortunate to have him as a member of the East Palestine Schools. I would also like to express my gratitude to the school board for granting me this wonderful opportunity to once again join this exceptional school district.

Rook also expressed gratitude to his wife for making the opportunity to return to eastern Palestine possible.

“I also want to thank my wife, Julie, for her constant support and understanding of my desire and passion to come back and lead this school district.” he said. “She always recognized my passion for these schools, and I look forward to bringing that passion to life through my future work.” »

Rook will take over as superintendent when Neifer’s resignation takes effect July 31.

East Palestine City Schools said the search for a replacement for Neifer included “in-depth interviews with qualified candidates” but that the school board decided that Rook “fully aligned with both the strategic direction and goals that have been set for the district. »

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