Westfall Schools' Superintendent poised to retire

Westfall Superintendent Jeff Sheets is retiring.

Good guy and a great superintendent!

“After working five years at Westfall as the superintendent, I am retiring effective July 31,” he said.

Sheets submitted his notice to the Westfall Board of Education in February. That early notice gives the district ample time to find the right candidate for the position and allow for a seamless transition. The Board of Education began its superintendent search almost immediately.

“I look for them to name a new superintendent very soon,” he said.

Sheets said he enjoyed his time in Mustangs’ country.

“I have very much enjoyed my time at Westfall,” he said.

Sheets leaves a legacy that will echo for an eternity.

“I am proud that Westfall Local Schools provide so many activities to allow varied opportunities for our students to excel,” he said. “I am also proud that Westfall has constructed a 62,000 square foot addition that connects the newly renovated high and middle schools.”

Flashback to March 2023, when the Westfall School District community got its first tour of the new multi-use building built between the High School and Middle School, which was paid for by a voter-approved levy in November 2020.

The project cost $30 million. The 1.93 mil bond issue provided $15 million. The board of education borrowed the other $15 million, which will be paid over a period of time through the general fund.

The levy funding was used to renovate the existing facilities at the middle school and high school and paid for the new building, which includes a cafeteria, new gym, media center, community meeting room, and pair of new science laboratories for both the High School and Middle School buildings. The high school was built in 1963, and the middle school was built in 1976.

Sheets said at the open house for the facility in 2023. “I think by the nature of the Westfall School District, 200 square miles, I think this is a great opportunity for them. It’s a great opportunity for students as well. I think this along with the renovations make for a great facility.”

Prior to serving the Mustangs, Sheets spent eight years as superintendent of Teays Valley School District before stepping down in 2014. In the meantime, he volunteered with his church and served as chair of the Teays Valley Educational Foundation, from which he has now stepped down.

Sheets said he previously didn’t have any direct affiliation with Westfall, mostly since he has spent more than 50 years either as a student, staff member or volunteer with Teays Valley.

“I’ve been aware of Westfall since I’ve lived in Pickaway County my whole life, and I’ve always admired this district,” he told the Herald soon after being hired as superintendent in 2019.

As to what’s next for Sheets, whether it is to travel or watch the sunset from a sandy beach, that remains to be determined.

“I am concluding 44 years of service in education. I am ready to just kick back and take one day at a time. I have no definite plans yet,” he said.