NOTICE OF SCHOOL BOARD SEAT VACANCY FOR THE NEW ALBANY-PLAIN LOCAL SCHOOLS

John McClelland has resigned from the New Albany-Plain Local School Board of Education effective Tuesday, June 30, 2026 to accept an appointment to the New Albany City Council.  The Board of Education, administration, faculty, staff, students and community thank Mr. McClelland for his over 12 years of service as a Board President, Board Vice-President, and Board Member.

Mr. McClelland has helped guide our district through a period of remarkable community expansion. He has worked collaboratively with district leaders, local officials, and community partners to address growth, infrastructure, and long-term planning needs while maintaining a strong focus on academic excellence and public accountability. His leadership has helped develop our statement of purpose: to create a culture of accountability to achieve the best academic and developmental outcomes for each student.

"It has been a privilege to serve our community as a member of the New Albany-Plain Local Schools Board of Education over these last 12 years,” said Board President, John McClelland. “I am incredibly proud of what we've accomplished during that time to support our students, strengthen our finances, improve our academic rankings, and make NAPLS one of the top-performing districts in Ohio. That success was made possible through the dedication of our teachers, staff, families, and administrators, as well as the strong partnership between the school district and our community partners. I'm honored to have the opportunity to serve our community in a new way as a member of New Albany City Council, and will remain a strong advocate for our schools."

Mr. McClelland has been a dedicated member of the Board of Education and will be missed. We wish him continued happiness and success in his future endeavors.

The Appointment Process to Replace Mr. McClelland on the New Albany-Plain Local Schools Board of Education

The Board is required to appoint a board member to serve the balance of Mr. McClelland’s unexpired term in accordance with Ohio Revised Code. Any appointee will be required to run for election in November, 2027 to earn the right to serve the remainder of the term expiring December 31, 2029, if desired.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

Any person interested in applying for appointment to the New Albany-Plain Local Schools Board of Education must be:

• A U.S. Citizen,
• At least 18 years old,
• A resident of the state for at least 30 days,
• A resident of the school district for at least 30 days,
• Registered to vote in the school district for at least 30 days.

Any eligible person interested in applying for appointment to the New Albany-Plain Local Schools Board of Education must complete the following application and written interview process:

1. Provide a letter outlining your qualifications and explaining why you want to serve as a New Albany-Plain Local Board of Education Member.
2. Provide written responses to each of the following questions.
3. Please describe your knowledge, understanding and personal beliefs regarding the “Statement of Purpose”, the “Values Statement” and the “Continuous Improvement Plan” for the New Albany-Plain Local Schools.
4. Please describe your knowledge, understanding, and personal beliefs related to school district finances.
5. Please describe what school district or community activities/organizations you are/have been involved with to date. Tenure, roles held (leadership if relevant) and description of involvement beyond membership.
6. Please describe what you believe differentiates you from other candidates seeking this appointment.  What do you believe makes an outstanding Board of Education member?
7. What do you believe are the most important priorities for the District at this time?
8. What do you believe the most important priorities are for the District 5 years from now?
9. Please describe the most difficult challenge you have faced working cooperatively with someone who did not share your values, ideas or beliefs.  How did you handle it and what was the outcome
10. Describe your understanding of the board’s role in the day to day administration of the District and your personal beliefs to its adequacy.
11. Please submit a current resume.
12. Please submit three professional references.
13. Please remit all information electronically via email to:

Rebecca Jenkins
CFO/Treasurer & Secretary to the Board of Education for the New Albany-Plain Local Schools via: jenkins.5@napls.us

The deadline for submission is 11:59 PM on July 13, 2026.

The Board of Education will review all submissions to select a candidate for appointment in accordance with Ohio Revised Code.  The Board of Education will review all applications submitted to determine which applicants will be selected for an in-person interview.  Should any applicant have questions related to this Board vacancy, please contact Rebecca Jenkins at 614-413-7114 or at jenkins.5@napls.us.
 

Sincerely,

Jennifer Fuller
Board Vice-President

Coleen Barber
Board Member

Paul Naumoff
Board Member

Mark Wilson
Board Member