New Superintendent Humbled by Opportunity in Twinsburg

When Stephen Marlow, Twinsburg City Schools superintendent, announced in February that he was leaving the district, the Board of Education had its work cut out for it to find a replacement.

But after three months of searching, scouring applications and exhaustive interviews, it has made a decision.

Starting Aug. 1, Kathryn Powers, the director of human resources for Brecksville-Broadview Heights schools, will take the reins as the district’s superintendent.

“I’m actually really humbled by the opportunity,” Powers said. “Twinsburg school district is ‘excellent with distinction’ and certainly I have some big shoes to fill.”

Because Powers and her husband are residents of Twinsburg, she said she had a “vested interest” in maintaining the district’s excellent with distinction rating.

“We have the great fortune of being part of the community, which is why this is sweeter to me,” Powers said.

Powers started in the classroom in 1984 as a second-grade teacher. From there she has moved into the administrative role as a principal in multiple districts such as Bedford. She was the director of instruction at Lyndhurst before moving on to Brecksville three years ago.

Powers said in her other positions she has done her best to be compassionate and communicate with union leaders and teachers.

“You have to take care of people first,” Powers said. “We’re a student-centered organization and that means making sure the best people are here for our children.”

Twinsburg Board of Education President Ron Stuver said all the finalists were terrific candidates, but Powers exemplified the qualities they were looking for.

"Mrs. Powers represents the qualities identified by the board, our staff, and community focus groups. She shares the same philosophy as the board, which is to continue improving our already excellent district," Stuver said in a press release. "The Board of Education thanks our staff  and community for their aid in the process and we look forward to a great future with Mrs. Powers."

Powers said when she saw the opening, she knew it was her chance.

“I just thought the time was right for me to apply and thankfully it’s turned out the way it has,” Powers said. “It’s just a tremendous opportunity.”