The Chagrin Falls Board of Education has approved the appointment of Eva O'Mara as interim principal of Gurney Elementary School. The decision was made during the Board's regular meeting on January 15. O'Mara will begin her transition into the role starting next week and officially assume her duties as interim principal on February 1, 2025.
Having retired in 2019 from the Brecksville-Broadview Heights City School District, she taught at every level as an art teacher and finished her career as the principal of Highland Drive Elementary School. She had served as an assistant principal at the high school and middle school as well. While principal of Highland Drive Elementary, the school was named a U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School.
"We are fortunate to have someone of Ms. O'Mara's caliber joining our administrative team at Gurney Elementary for the remainder of this school year," said Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Penczarski. "Her extensive experience in elementary education and proven leadership skills make her an excellent choice to guide our school community through this transition period."
During her expansive 48-year career in education, O'Mara has earned numerous accolades, including the Northeast Ohio Education Association's Educator of the Year Award and the PSO Friend of Education Award. Her diverse experience includes teaching art at every level in the Brecksville-Broadview Heights City School District and serving as an assistant principal at both the high school and middle school levels.
Since her retirement, O'Mara has remained active in education, serving as an interim assistant principal in the Twinsburg City School District and supporting classroom instruction at Dodge Intermediate School. She also was asked back by the Brecksville-Broadview Heights School District to facilitate the transition of Highland Drive Elementary School students to a newly constructed elementary school building.
"Education isn’t just my profession—it’s my passion. I’m thrilled to collaborate with such a talented staff and can’t wait to get to know the incredible students and families of Gurney Elementary,” said O’Mara. “My goal is to support the amazing work already in place while keeping the focus squarely on student growth and success during this time of transition.”
Beyond her professional duties, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service through her involvement in various volunteer organizations, including the Yuletide Hunger initiative. She serves on the Brecksville-Broadview Heights Board of Education.
O'Mara holds both bachelor's and master's degrees from Baldwin Wallace University and is credentialed in both the Ohio Teacher Evaluation System (OTES) and Ohio Principal Evaluation System (OPES), demonstrating her commitment to educational excellence and professional development. She also was named the 2016 Northeast Ohio Education Association’s Friend of Education.
The district has already begun planning for long-term leadership at Gurney Elementary, initiating roundtable discussions with staff and families for the selection of a permanent principal to begin in the 2025-26 school year. O'Mara's appointment followed a thorough selection process that included input from a committee of Gurney teachers and administration.