Johnstown-Monroe Local board hires Dr. Lewis Kramer as superintendent

The Johnstown-Monroe Local Board of Education voted to hire Dr. Lewis Kramer as superintendent and approved a consultant contract to fund a short transition period.

The board approved Resolution 26-05-108 to employ Kramer under a three-year agreement effective Aug. 1, 2026, through July 31, 2029, with performance-based options to roll the contract into additional one-year extensions up to the five-year statutory limit. A separate vote approved Resolution 26-05-109, a consultant contract allowing up to 20 days of transition work at a per-diem rate to support the administrative handoff.

Kramer, introduced to the board and community as the selected finalist after a multi-stage search, said he was "very humbled and very proud to be here and can't wait" to begin work. The board described a thorough selection process: the district screened 17 applicants, narrowed the field to finalists who met with staff and community members, and conducted reference checks.

Both the employment contract and the consultant agreement were moved, seconded and adopted by roll call with all voting members recorded in favor. The employment contract sets the official start date for Kramer on Aug. 1, 2026; the consultant contract is intended to provide transition support between the board and the incoming superintendent.

The board said it will develop a transition plan and address staffing and contract details at upcoming work sessions. No board member opposed either measure.