District hires new high school, elementary principals

by Melissa Martin

The Highland Local School District has announced two administrative staff changes: the hiring of Cecilia Frammartino-Kotlyn as principal of Highland High School and Ryan Taylor as principal of Hinckley Elementary.

Kotlyn will replace Carrie Knapp, Taylor will succeed Jim Carpenter. Both former principals retired at the end of the school year. Frammartino-Kotlyn and Taylor will begin their new roles on Aug. 1.

“The Highland Local School District prides itself on a rich history of strong, effective leaders who work to maintain the highest academic standards while cultivating a culture of care, community and support,” stated Highland Superintendent Catherine Aukerman. “Cecilia and Ryan are proven, student-centered administrators who are well-prepared and fully ready to lead Highland High School and Hinckley Elementary.”

According to a release issued by the district, Frammartino-Kotlyn has spent the past four years as a unit (assistant) principal at Hudson High School. Prior to becoming a unit principal, she served as a counselor at Hudson High and Woodridge High.

During her tenure at Hudson, she distinguished herself as a well-rounded educational leader with expertise spanning school operations, instructional leadership, student services and organizational systems. She spearheaded the development of the district’s Crisis Response Plan and student risk assessment protocols, work that she later presented at the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators State Conference on trauma-informed crisis response practices.

Aukerman says Frammartino-Kotlyn “has both a student-centered leadership focus and the operational expertise necessary to successfully lead Highland High School.”

“I am incredibly grateful and excited to join Highland High School as the next building principal,” said Frammartino-Kotlyn. “I look forward to building meaningful relationships with students, staff, families and the community while continuing the strong traditions and culture that make Highland such a special place.”

Frammartino-Kotlyn obtained her master’s degree in education from Kent State University and her principal’s license from Ashland University. She is currently completing a superintendent licensure program.

Taylor has served the Highland Local School District for the past four years as assistant principal at Highland High School. Prior to becoming assistant principal, he served as an assistant principal at Elyria High School and as an intervention specialist/special education teacher (grades 9-12) for seven years.

As assistant principal, Taylor has overseen various school operations, conducted teachers and staff evaluations and collaborated with the data coach on academic/testing strategy. He organized school events to cultivate a positive culture at the high school and has created professional development opportunities for staff, Aukerman said.

“Working with students has always been the most rewarding part of education for me, and I’m especially excited to lead a building where I can be involved in their day-to-day learning, growth and success,” said Taylor. “I pursued administration because I believe in the power of strong relationships and in supporting students, staff and families as they work together to help every child reach their fullest potential. I am grateful for this opportunity and cannot wait to join the Hinckley Elementary community.”

Taylor earned his master’s degree in educational leadership from Ashland University and a bachelor’s degree in education/special education from Kent State University.