WWW.SHAKER.LIFE | SUMMER 2019 49
Getting Results
At the Middle School, Glasner again got results, dramatically closing the school’s
achievement gap, implementing a progressive “restorative practices” discipline
program, and taking key roles in numerous District-wide initiatives. After four
successful years, he was promoted to the position of executive director of Curriculum
and Instruction.
But before the paint dried in his new office, Glasner’s role in the District took a
couple of unexpected turns. When fire struck Fernway Elementary School, Glasner
led the effort to successfully relocate more than 300 students and their teachers into
other District classrooms. A few months later, he was asked to step in as interim
principal at the High School, where personnel and morale issues had created a
leadership void. In both cases, Glasner calmed the roiled waters and added to his
growing legion of supporters. In his spare time, he received his Ph.D. in Urban
Education from Cleveland State University.
“David is an extraordinarily good listener, and carefully weighs information and
multiple perspectives when they are presented,” says Dr. John Morris, a High School
teacher and president of the Shaker Heights Teachers’ Association. “I believe we are
witnessing the beginning of our next great legacy administrator for Shaker Heights
City Schools.”
Dr. Timeka Rashid, who served as co-president of the high school Parent
Teacher Organization during the 2018-2019 school year, has worked with Glasner
for nearly three years, beginning at the Middle School. Rashid says she is looking
forward to Glasner’s tenure as superintendent.
“I was impressed by his genuine
interest in learning and the fact that he
was reflecting and seeking advice from
us as parent leaders,” Rashid says. “He
was patient, thoughtful, and willing to
act as a thoughtful sounding board for
new ideas and concepts.”
For his part, Glasner seems
unfazed by the high expectations
placed on him. He spent much of the
spring methodically meeting with
administrators, teachers, parents, and
community stakeholders, listening and
learning. He says his short-term goal
is ensuring the District is 100 percent
ready for the upcoming school year.
Longer term, issues such as providing
equitable opportunities for all students
and dealing with the District’s aging
buildings and infrastructure, rank
among his biggest challenges.
But first, he paused last month to
watch the students he started with at
Shaker Heights Middle School in 2014
graduate from high school.
“That’s what makes this work so
exciting,” he says. “It’s great to see the
fruits of your labor, to see where they
came from and where they are going.”
Scott Stephens is Executive Director of
Communications and Public Relations for
the Shaker Heights City School District.SL
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