CHUH School District Hires New Principal at Oxford Elementary

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights School Board approved the contract for a new principal at  at its meeting Tuesday night. 

Joe Nicklos, who most recently was principal at Garfield Heights Middle School, will lead the school next year. Denice Leddy was just hired by the district last year, but was selected to work as a curriculum coordinator specifically on testing and accountability, said Nylajean McDaniel, human resources director for the district.

"Denice has demonstrated some skills and attributes that are nicely matched with the curriculum we’re trying to implement," she said.

Nicklos has 29 years of experience in education as a guidance counselor, social studies teacher, and principal at the middle school and high school, McDaniel said. He also has coached football and wrestling. 

A committee of 12 that included teachers at Oxford, parents, Superintendent Douglas Heuer and McDaniel interviewed two finalists, McDaniel said. Ninety-seven applied. 

Nicklos attended the meeting Tuesday night with his wife, Sherry, and said he looks forward to meeting students and parents.

“I’m very excited to be here. I know Cleveland Heights, University Heights has always been one of the districts that is about the kids," he said.

Nicklos' contract is effective from July 2011 to June 2013, and he will make $95,875 a year.

The district also hired nearly 40 new teachers, and the board approved the new staff members at its July 5 meeting.