December 2, 2006 -- Dr. Lawrence Svec, the principal of Lomond School since 1987, died on Friday, December 1, at his Shaker Heights home after a struggle with cancer.

"Dr. Svec leaves a legacy of passionate commitment, innovation, integrity, kindness, and a relentless pursuit of the highest possible achievement for every child," said Mark Freeman, Superintendent of Schools. "This is a great loss for Larry's family, for Lomond, and for the community. Thousands of children will benefit throughout their lives from his contributions. We will all miss him."

Svec's survivors include his wife Patricia, a former teacher in Maple Heights, and three sons who are Shaker graduates: Christopher (’91), Scott (’93), and Todd (’98).

Freeman said Susan Alig, the longtime Lomond assistant principal who has provided exemplary leadership at Lomond during Svec’s illness, has been appointed Principal on a permanent basis.

To the degree possible, school routines will be maintained at Lomond next week. Several school psychologists with training in grief counseling will be available at Lomond to provide age-appropriate support where needed.

Svec, 59, began his Shaker career as an English teacher at Woodbury Junior High in 1969, having student-taught there while a student at John Carroll University. At Woodbury, he was chair of the English Department and of the Racial Justice Committee. He also coached football, basketball, and baseball.

In 1980, Svec was appointed Assistant Principal at Woodbury. The following year, he was transferred to Byron Junior High in the same capacity. He was promoted to Principal of Mercer Elementary School in 1985 and in 1987 became Principal at Lomond Elementary, where he served for the rest of his career.

A graduate of John Carroll University, Svec held a master's degree from Cleveland State University and a doctorate from the University of Tennessee. He wrote his dissertation on "Desegregation and Social Integration in the Shaker Heights School District."

Svec was known for his leadership in reforming mathematics education and for his unrelenting efforts to help his students reach high levels of academic achievement. Programs initiated under his leadership at Lomond have been studied by education researchers and emulated in many schools across the country.

“Larry was everything you could want in a school leader," Freeman said. "He built a loyal and committed team of educators and parents who shared his vision of excellence for all. It is impossible to measure the impact he has had on the children of this community – not just at Lomond, but throughout the District."

In a letter to fellow teachers, Rebecca L. Thomas, President of the Shaker Heights Teachers' Association, wrote: "Dr. Svec created a learning environment at Lomond focused on excellence and achievement for all children. He encouraged innovation and constantly sought to bring the best educational practices to his staff and students."

Another longtime colleague, retired Personnel Administrator William J. Trost, said: “I have never seen anyone set a goal and focus on it until it is accomplished like Larry did.”