School Board names Harrison district’s next superintendent
by Melissa Martin
May 22 board of education meeting
The Brecksville-Broadview Heights Board of Education voted unanimously to hire Jeffrey Harrison as the district’s next superintendent.
Harrison, 47, is currently employed as the superintendent of the Buckeye Local School District in Medina County. He will replace Superintendent Joelle Magyar, whose resignation takes effect Aug. 1.
Magyar, who has led the district for six years, will become superintendent of Avon Lake City Schools.
BBH board President Mark Dosen said the board is “thrilled” with Harrison’s appointment.
“[Harrison’s] background, experience, leadership, energy and passion for education make him the ideal choice for our district,” Dosen said. “We thank all those from our community who participated in the survey, focus groups and stakeholder interview process, as this collaborative involvement was invaluable.”
Harrison has a comprehensive background in public education leadership roles. In addition to being superintendent of Buckeye Schools, he served in district and athletic administration, high school building leadership and began his career as a social studies teacher more than 20 years ago.
“I’m both honored and humbled to be selected as the next superintendent for what I and many others view as one of the premier school districts in the state of Ohio,” Harrison said. “I thank the board of education for the opportunity to serve the communities of Brecksville and Broadview Heights, and I look forward to working alongside an outstanding staff while preparing our students to be successful in a highly competitive society.”
Harrison has been the superintendent at Buckeye Schools since 2020. He served as principal of Medina High School from 2015-2020 and athletic director for Medina City Schools from 2009-2015. He also was a finalist in the Medina district’s superintendent search in 2016.
Before his time in Medina, Harrison was a social studies teacher, activities director and administrative intern in the curriculum department for the Cuyahoga Falls City Schools.
He lives in Montville Township with his wife, Pamela, and their children, Ty, 19, and Ryan, 16.
As part of his three-year contract, which runs through July 2026, Harrison will receive a compensation package valued at approximately $189,000 in the first year. Harrison’s base salary is $175,000, and he will receive a 2 percent raise every year.
The district will also set aside money, equaling 6.5% of Harrison’s salary, for an annuity during the first year of his contract. That amount increases to 7.5% in the second year and 8.5% in the third year. Harrison has the option of accepting cash payments instead of annuity contributions, the contract stipulates.
The district will also pay Harrison’s share of Medicare taxes, an amount equal to 1.45 % of his base salary. He also will receive a per diem on an as-needed basis through July 31. During that time, he is expected to work closely with the board, Magyar and other district administrators to ease the transition. ∞
