Letter to the Community (Aug. 25, 2014)
Dear Beachwood Community Member:
In 2010, the Beachwood Board of Education extended the employment contract of Dr. Richard Markwardt to serve as our district's superintendent for an additional term of five years that would conclude on July 31, 2015. At the time Dr. Markwardt accepted the Board's extension of his contract, he indicated that it was his intention to depart Beachwood at the end of the contract period.
Since 2010, many things have changed. Dr. Markwardt oversaw the renovation of our high school - the largest construction project in school history. We have seen an increase in AP enrollment of nearly 50 percent; our performance index scores reached new highs and our athletic and extracurricular teams had record-setting seasons last school year. Under Dr. Markwardt's direction, Beachwood also entered into two innovative partnerships with Cleveland State University for our Design and Innovation Program, and with University Hospitals for the Medical Academy. This, and more, was accomplished while realizing a decrease in the district's per-pupil expenditures.
Despite all of these changes, one thing has remained constant: Dr. Markwardt's intentions to depart Beachwood City Schools at the end of this contract period. Accordingly, although with sadness, it was not unexpected when the Board received Dr. Markwardt's notice of resignation this weekend, effective July 31, 2015.
One of Dr. Markwardt's many talents is his ability to identify, recruit, develop and retain key personnel. In this regard, our community has been very lucky in that Dr. Markwardt has demonstrated his willingness and desire to assist with a transition plan to ensure he is succeeded not only by the highest quality candidate, but also so that person could hit the ground running on day one.
It is with great pride and excitement that I am able to announce that Robert Hardis, Beachwood School's assistant superintendent, will accept the Board's offer to serve as our superintendent effective Aug. 1, 2015. Mr. Hardis previously served as Beachwood High School principal from 2006 until 2011, at which time he was hired as Beachwood's assistant superintendent and has since worked closely with Dr. Markwardt on every aspect affecting our schools. Mr. Hardis earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Michigan, a Master of Arts in education from George Washington University, a Master of Education in educational administration from Harvard University and will receive his Doctorate of Management from Case's Weatherhead School of Management in May, 2015.
The Beachwood Board of Education is expected to vote at tonight's (Aug. 25, 2014) meeting to accept Dr. Markwardt's resignation and to approve the hiring of Mr. Hardis. While these two resolutions are "newsworthy," please know that neither is "new news." Dr. Markwardt stated his intention four years ago to resign effective July 31, 2015. The Board and administration have acted accordingly and carefully to ensure the ongoing and continued success of our schools. Mr. Hardis is a primary player in the continued success of our district; however he will not assume the post until Aug. 1, 2015. The Board has established a critical and timely set of goals and agenda for the District. The Board intends, and it is Dr. Markwardt's intention, that Dr. Markwardt will continue to lead this district in pursuing and fulfilling these goals until the day he departs from Beachwood on July 31, 2015. We are very fortunate to have had Dr. Markwardt lead our District during the past 10 years and are looking forward to another year of his outstanding leadership.
As always, thank you for your support of our schools.
Mitchel E. Luxenburg, President
Beachwood Board of Education