May 14, 2026

Dear New Albany-Plain Local Schools Learning Community,

It is with great pride and excitement that the New Albany-Plain Local Schools Board of Education announces the appointment of Dr. Jason Fine as the next Superintendent of New Albany-Plain Local Schools, effective August 1, 2026.

Following an expedited recruitment and search process conducted in partnership with the ESC of Central Ohio, the Board is confident that Dr. Fine brings exactly the vision, experience, and character our Learning Community deserves. He succeeds Superintendent Michael Sawyers, whose dedicated leadership has helped position NAPLS as one of Ohio's most distinguished public school systems, and we are grateful for his many years of service to our students, staff, and community.

About Dr. Jason Fine

Dr. Fine has served as Superintendent of Bexley City Schools since July 2021, where he has led one of central Ohio’s most respected school communities with distinction. His career in education spans more than two decades, beginning in 2002 as a classroom teacher in Hilliard City Schools. He went on to serve as Principal of Jones Middle School and Barrington Elementary School in Upper Arlington City Schools before joining Bexley.

Dr. Fine holds degrees from Ohio University and Cambridge College, and earned his Doctorate in Education from Miami University. His academic preparation, combined with his hands-on leadership experience in high-performing Ohio school districts, makes him exceptionally well-suited to lead NAPLS into its next chapter.

In 2024, Dr. Fine was honored with the Social Justice Award in Education Advocacy by the Central Ohio Social Justice Awards, a recognition that reflects his deep commitment to ensuring every student feels seen, valued, and supported. This distinction aligns powerfully with the NAPLS Student Belonging Framework and our values of kindness, dignity, and respect.

Why Dr. Fine Is the Right Leader for NAPLS

Dr. Fine demonstrates the qualities the Board of Education identified as essential in our next superintendent. He is a data-driven instructional leader who pairs high expectations with genuine care for students and staff. He brings proven experience in continuous improvement, community partnership, human resources leadership, and fiscal stewardship. He understands that operational excellence and academic excellence are inseparable and that every system in a school district ultimately exists to serve students.

Dr. Fine’s background in high-performing, community-engaged school districts aligns with district and community expectations for the NAPLS. His experience leading in environments where community partnership, civic collaboration, and academic excellence converge has prepared him well for the unique and extraordinary opportunity that New Albany represents.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to be selected as the next Superintendent of New Albany-Plain Local Schools. The NAPLS Learning Community is exceptional in every sense—its students, its families, its dedicated faculty, staff, and administration, and its extraordinary commitment to being the best. I have spent my career working to ensure every student has the opportunity to grow, thrive, and find their place in a community that believes in them. I look forward to building on the remarkable foundation that has been established here, deepening the partnerships that make New Albany so special, and working alongside this incredible community to achieve outcomes that make every student proud. I cannot wait to get started.”

— Dr. Jason Fine, Superintendent-Elect, New Albany-Plain Local Schools

Dr. Fine and his wife, Meredith, are the proud parents of two daughters, Madeline and Amelia. Madeline, a recent Ohio University graduate, is heading to Chicago to begin her career as a financial advisor with Plante Moran. Amelia just completed her freshman year at Ohio University, where she is studying special education. We are delighted to welcome the entire Fine family to the New Albany community!

Looking Ahead

We are entering an exciting period for New Albany-Plain Local Schools. With a $135 million Campus Master Plan underway, enrollment growth anticipated over the next decade, and a culture of accountability and excellence firmly in place, the stage is set for Dr. Fine to lead NAPLS to even greater heights. We are confident he will embrace and champion the Statement of Purpose, “To Create a Culture of Accountability That Achieves the Best Academic and Developmental Outcomes for Each Student”, with the same conviction and passion that defines this Learning Community.

The Board looks forward to introducing Dr. Fine to the broader NAPLS community in the coming weeks. We invite all students, families, staff, and community members to join us in welcoming

Dr. Jason Fine as the next leader of our incredible school district. 

Sincerely, 

John McClelland, Board of Education President
Jennifer Fuller, Board of Education Vice-President
Coleen Barber, Board Member
Paul Naumoff, Board Member
Mark Wilson, Board Member