At the July 19 Board of Education meeting, Jessica Ross was hired as the new assistant high school principal. She is replacing Amanda Rassi who also was Board approved as the next high school principal. There were 22 applicants for the assistant principal position. Five individuals were screened and two were finalists.
Ross previously was associate principal of Medina High School. As part of her responsibilities, Ross created and facilitated professional development for 135 faculty members in productive deeper learning experiences and student engagement. She also built collaborative school-wide relationships, coaching teachers and utilizing individualized teacher goals to facilitate constructive growth-centered conversations. Ross managed the special education department and supervised 16 instructional paraprofessionals to help navigate student challenges, student relationships and schedules based on student needs. In addition she facilitated the high school multi-tiered systems of support team, implemented a restorative-based approach to discipline, forming positive relationships with families and students through difficult situations.
Prior to working in Medina City schools, she taught fifth-grade math in Solon and West Geauga. She also taught sixth-grade math and science in New York. She received her Principal Licensure in the Inspired Leaders Program at Cleveland State University. She also has a M.S. in Childhood Education from Bank Street College of Education in New York, NY as well as a B.A. in Economics from Amherst College in Amherst, MA. She is a member of the Women’s Leadership Committee of the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators.
Ross resides in Chagrin Falls and has two children. They attend Gurney Elementary and the Intermediate School.
"We are excited to welcome Jessica Ross as the new assistant principal of Chagrin Falls High School starting in the 2023-2024 school year,” said Superintendent Jennifer Penczarski, Chagrin Falls Schools. “As a valued member of our school community, Jessica's dedication and her genuine care for both students and staff make her an exceptional addition to our leadership team. Having invested in our educational system through her children’s attendance at Gurney and CFIS, Jessica brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of what our District values and believes. We have full confidence in her commitment to inspire our students to grow and thrive.”
“Chagrin Falls Schools is an excellent District that promotes academic success and wellbeing,” said Ross. “Staff and community members have high expectations and care deeply about the school system. I look forward to becoming a valuable asset to the school community and making a positive impact on the students and staff at Chagrin Falls High School.”