The Shaker Heights City School District Board of Education unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Todd C. Davidson to complete the unfinished term of Amy Fulford, who resigned July 31. Treasurer Bryan C. Christman administered to oath of office to Dr. Davidson at the beginning of the August 11 board meeting.
“I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve,” Dr. Davidson said.
The board selected Dr. Davidson after reviewing 21 applications for this position. The applicants showcased the breadth and depth of our community as well a deep passion for the schools. It was both an educational and gratifying process to engage with such a talented group of applicants. In the end it was a difficult decision for the continuing members of the Board to select just one person from among such qualified individuals.
Dr. Davidson received his doctorate in Education Policy, Planning and Leadership from the College of William and Mary, has taught at the elementary, middle and high school levels, and was twice elected to the Virginia Beach City Public School board before moving here to serve as the senior pastor of Antioch Baptist Church. In 2014, Dr. Davidson was appointed by Governor Kasich to serve on the Community Connector Advisory Board that focuses on encouraging mentoring opportunities in Ohio schools, a role that has allowed him to develop valuable relationships with Ohio officials. Dr. Davidson has also served on the Shaker Heights City Schools Strategic Planning Committee, teaches a course on Visionary Leadership for the Center for Educational Leadership at Cleveland State University, and has participated in PTO events at Woodbury and Boulevard schools. Dr. Davidson’s background provides a broad perspective on educational issues and will allow him to quickly add significant value to the Shaker School Board as we continue building on our District’s strengths and working with the State legislators to improve the educational system for students and teachers.
“The Board is very aware of how lucky we were to be able to select from among a broad pool of very qualified applicants,” said Board President William L. Clawson II. “There were a number of individuals who would serve the District and community very well, and our final decision was based on a range of factors, especially experience. Dr. Davidson provides a background in classroom instruction and school board service.
“We also contemplated the likely composition of the Board in January, after the departure now of Amy Fulford and the retirement of Reuben Harris, Jr., who has chosen to not seek re-election this fall,” Clawson said. “We anticipate Dr. Davidson will also help us ensure that we maintain a breadth of voices on our Board to best serve the needs of our entire community. We are excited that Todd has agreed to join us and look forward to working with him over the coming years.”
Dr. Davidson and his family, including a pre-schooler and two school-age children, live in the Boulevard neighborhood.