Schoenlein top Ohio principal (03/27/2009)

Jay County native James Schoenlein has been named the 2009 Ohio High School Principal of the Year by the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators.

The principal of Fairmont High School in Kettering, Ohio, he's the son of longtime county residents Louis and Mary Jean Schoenlein.

As principal of the year, Schoenlein will be recognized at OASSA's fall banquet in Columbus. He will then take part in the State Principals' Institute in October in Washington, D.C., and will be a candidate for National High School Principal of the Year.

A 1969 graduate of Bryant High School, Schoenlein attended Defiance College on a basketball scholarship, graduating with a degree in history. He later earned two master's degrees - one in 20th century American history and another in educational leadership - and his doctorate in educational leadership at Miami University.

He joined Fairmont, a school with 2,290 students, as assistant principal before becoming principal. He has since added a second role as curriculum director for the 7,270-student school district.

Schoenlein also serves on the OASSA's board of director and its legislative and curriculum committees.

Prior to Fairmont, he taught at Celina, Arcanum, Middletown, Talawanda, Harrison, and Oak Hills schools in Ohio.[[In-content Ad]]