Message from the Superintendent

Welcome to the Chagrin Falls Exempted Village School District.  It is both an honor and privilege to be appointed as the superintendent of the Chagrin Falls Exempted Village School District beginning the 2021-2022 school year.  The robust academic programming, powerful partnerships, and commitment to empowering all members of the school community is evident in the consistent top state rankings and numerous local and national accolades.  Throughout my short time here, I have witnessed a strong sense of community, commitment, and pride from a diverse group of stakeholders.  Our school system and community are committed to growing local and global citizens who are empowered, engaged, and equipped for a successful future.  The mission of the Chagrin Falls Exempted Village School District is to provide an educational experience empowering students to maximize their potential.  We will strive to ensure each individual’s needs are met through personalized, flexible learning plans while setting the highest quality standards for education through innovation, shared leadership, and academic excellence.

Chagrin Falls is one of the highest-performing districts in the state.  The District is in the process of updating the five-year strategic plan focusing on how to better the educational experience for every student, as well as improving each student’s individual academic success.  I encourage you to read the District Annual Report as well as all of our other communications by clicking here.  You will find information on the District’s commitment to improvement, academics, digital learning, innovation, art/music, fiscal stewardship, student leadership and activities, and parent and community involvement.  There are a wide number and variety of community groups that support the work of our schools and are a vital part of our ability to fund innovative, state-of-the-art educational programming.  If you would like to learn more about these organizations or find out a way to support the long tradition of excellence in our District click here.

Being a superintendent is my profession.  As a leader, I am dedicated to the challenge of making a difference for the entire school community I serve.  Every day, I get to lead with purpose, serve people, solve problems, and bring energy to inspire others.  Chagrin Falls Schools has earned a reputation for academic excellence and providing diverse educational experiences to maximize each student’s potential.  I am excited and committed to building upon this strong foundation and ensuring our students have the skills necessary to pursue their true passions and excel in all of their future endeavors.

Jennifer Penczarski, Superintendent

Dr. Jennifer Penczarski, Superintendent

440-247-3933
jennifer.penczarski@chagrinschools.org

Dr. Jennifer Penczarski was hired as superintendent of Chagrin Falls Exempted Village School District after serving 11 years as superintendent of the Kenton City Schools in Kenton, Ohio.  Prior to becoming a superintendent, she served in a variety of roles at Tri-Valley Local Schools including high school assistant principal, intermediate school principal, and middle school principal.  Dr. Penczarski’s career in education began as Director of Instrumental Music grades 5-12 at Tuslaw Local Schools in Massillon, Ohio where she directed the various bands including concert band, marching band, jazz band, and pep band.  She grew up in Uniontown, Ohio, and is a graduate of Lake High School.

Dr. Penczarski is a member of the Schlechty Center National Superintendent Leadership Network, Buckeye Association of School Administrators, and was a Board member for the Western Ohio Computer Organization (WOCO).  She has presented at Woman LEAD, National Dropout Convention, Battelle for Kids Connect for Success, and Ohio School Boards Association Capital Conference on a wide variety of topics.  She was named the All-Star Stark County Teacher of the Year in 2002.

Dr. Penczarski holds a bachelor’s degree in music education and bassoon performance from Miami University and a master’s degree in educational administration from Ashland University.  She obtained her Ed.D. from Miami University in educational leadership in 2020.  The purpose of her dissertation, Lessons From Transformational Teacher Leaders Within A Learning Organization, was to gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences of teacher leaders within an organizational structure.  The findings from this narrative study are crucial to help school administrators grasp how to engage, cultivate, and sustain current and future transformational teacher leaders.  Dr. Penczarski and her husband, Michael, are currently transitioning back to Northeast Ohio, and are excited to become a part of the Chagrin Falls community.