Ravenna native Ribelin named interim superintendent; Lee Smith will serve two roles

A familiar face will take over Ravenna City School District, and district officials said Tuesday two administrative jobs will be combined in a cost-saving move.

Ben Ribelin, a 28-year veteran of the district and a native of Ravenna, was awarded a one-year contract as interim superintendent. He succeeds Dr. Laura Hebert, who will leave the district July 31 into semi-retirement.

“Mr. Ribelin possesses the institutional knowledge and love for the district and community that is necessary as the district navigates the difficult financial situation ahead," Michael Wisniewski, president of the Ravenna City Schools' Board of Education , said in a news release. "We are fortunate that Mr. Ribelin is willing to take on the challenge. Due to the short window of opportunity to advertise for and hire a permanent superintendent and the urgency of the financial situation, an interim was seen as the best decision for the district at this time.”

Lee Smith, director of curriculum for the district, also was given a three-year contract as assistant superintendent. The district opted to combine the two roles to save money.

Both moves are effective Aug. 1.

Ribelin said the staffing changes will save the district roughly $170,000 in salary and benefits. Ribelin's salary will increase from $108,914 to $120,000, while Smith's salary will go from $104,995 to $110,000. Hebert's salary of $133,000 and benefits will not be replaced, Ribelin said.

Ribelin is a Ravenna native

Ribelin graduated form Ravenna High School in 1995, and earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Kent State University. Upon graduation, he began his teaching career in Ravenna. After earning a master's degree in school administration from KSU, he became principal at Tappan and West Park elementary schools. He later moved into the district's central office as director of curriculum and instruction for grades kindergarten through five, and was director of human resources. His current post was assistant superintendent.

Ribelin said he is excited to lead his hometown district, and hopes to eventually assume the position permanently.

“I’m excited to continue to serve the Ravenna community," he said. "Being a Raven has always been important to my identity as a student, as member of the community, and as a leader in the district."

Hebert said Ribelin's roots in the community and his understanding of school leadership will benefit the district.

"To come into a position knowing the needs and wants of the community for the future, but having the understanding of the history and culture of that community is invaluable," Hebert said in a news release. "That insight will allow Mr. Ribelin to lead the district in the ‘here and now’ while simultaneously preparing for the future.”

Combined position

Smith, who has been with the Ravenna Schools since 2017, said he is excited about his new role.

“Continuing my educational journey in the Ravenna School District is a privilege,” Smith said in a news release. “I am excited to partner with Mr. Ribelin and work toward a district that consistently achieves at a high level.”

Smith graduated in 1994 from University of Mount Union with his bachelor's in elementary education, and He began his teaching career in Louisville City Schools District. After earning a master's in educational administration from Youngstown State, he became the principal of North Nimishillen Elementary in Louisville, as well as Louisville Elementary School before making the move to Ravenna, where he became principal at West Main Elementary School in 2017. In 2022, he was named the director curriculum and instruction for the Ravenna district.

“During his tenure as director of curriculum, Mr. Smith has demonstrated his ability to move the district academically, and we want to continue in that direction,” Wisniewski said. “We are confident that as the assistant superintendent he will also have an impact in other areas of leadership that will be beneficial for the district moving forward."

Hebert said Smith will impact the district in his new position.

“Mr. Smith has been an integral part of the forward momentum the district has enjoyed during the past three years, first as principal, and then as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction," she said. "Now, as the assistant superintendent, Mr. Smith will have the opportunity to further impact that district by moving the needle even more in the right direction."

Financial struggles

In March, Ravenna voters rejected a 6.9-mill, five-year levy that would have generated $2.7 million annually for the district. It was Ravenna's third request for new money. The district previously announced a list of potential cuts likely to be implemented to trim $1.2 million from the budget. The cuts would include changes to bus transportation, elimination of middle school sports and staffing cuts.

The board voted on Monday to go back to the ballot with another levy request in November, Ribelin said.

Kristen Plageman was hired in May as the district's treasurer. She replaced Candi Lukat , who resigned in March.

Reporter Diane Smith can be reached at 330-298-1139 or dsmith@recordpub.com.

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Ravenna native Ribelin named interim superintendent; Lee Smith will serve two roles