Next Lakewood Schools Superintendent Named

LAKEWOOD, OH — Margaret "Maggie" Niedzwiecki has been named the next superintendent of the Lakewood City Schools.

Niedzwiecki is currently the assistant superintendent for the district. She will begin work on Aug. 1, 2021. She will replace Michael Barnes who is returning to the Mayfield Schools.

Barnes announced his resignation in December 2020, setting off a search for Lakewood's next superintendent. The Board of Education reviewed applications, met with candidates and then selected Niedzwiecki for the job.

“Maggie brings unique experience that will help us move forward in addressing a Board priority – tackling the learning loss resulting from the impact of the pandemic,” said Board of Education President Betsy Bergen Shaughnessy. “She brings the leadership qualities identified by the community as important for our superintendent.”

Niedzwiecki has spent nearly three decades in education. She has been the assistant superintendent in Lakewood since 2018. Prior to coming to Lakewood she held many roles, including director of curriculum and instruction, director of Race to the Top with the Ohio Department of Education, and elementary school principal. She spent the first 11 years of her career as an elementary teacher.

“Maggie is a great educator and a great person,” Barnes said. “We have worked well together for several years and I have witnessed the positive impact she has had on our students and community.”