New Assistant Superintendent Named For Lakewood Schools

LAKEWOOD, OH — Christine Palumbo will be Lakewood's next assistant superintendent.

Palumbo currently serves at the Lakewood City Schools director of teaching and learning. She'll transition to assistant superintendent on Aug. 1. Palumbo replaces Maggie Niedzwiecki who was named superintendent of the district in February.

“While I was not born in Lakewood I feel that in many ways my life began in The Lakewood City Schools,” Palumbo said. “It is where I met my husband through coaching duties, where his children attended and where our grandchildren attended and currently attend.”

Palumbo started her career in the Lakewood Schools, spending 14 years as a special education teacher and coordinator for special education services. In 2006, she went to the North Ridgeville Schools and became supervisor of special education and then director of special education and family services. She returned to the Lakewood Schools in 2011, taking on her current role.

“Dr. Palumbo brings a wealth of leadership experience across a number of areas and during her long history with the Lakewood Schools she has exhibited an absolute devotion to protecting and nurturing all of our students,” said Lakewood Board President Betsy Shaughnessy. “She and future Superintendent Niedzwiecki will be an excellent team and will be able to hit the ground running in providing for our students, staff and families. We are very fortunate to have her in this very important role.”

Palumbo received her Ph.D in urban education and a Master's in curriculum and instruction from Cleveland State University. Her undergraduate degree in elementary education came from John Carroll University. Palumbo is also a member of the John Carroll Athletic Hall of Fame for her accomplishments as a diver.

“I am so thankful to the Board of Education for hiring me all those years ago and for putting their faith in me over the years. I am honored and thrilled to embark on this next journey with LCS as Assistant Superintendent. Lakewood is an incredibly special place made so by the students and families we serve and the passion with which we serve them. I look forward to all of us continuing to grow and learn together," Palumbo said.