The Piqua City School District Board of Education hired Dwayne Thompson to serve as the next superintendent of schools at their June 28, 2016 regular meeting. Thompson has spent his entire 23-year career in education at Piqua City Schools and has deep ties to the community.
“We are excited to hire such a talented educational leader who is so familiar with our community,” said Board of Education President Frank Patrizio. “Given his familiarity with our school system the transition will be smooth for our students, staff and community. In addition Dwayne has been such an asset in the academic growth we’ve made over the years. He will be able to continue moving our district forward without delay, which is what our students need and our community deserves.”
Thompson started his teaching career in 1993 at Piqua City Schools. He was the district Teacher of the Year in 1999 and was a State Teacher of the Year Finalist in 2000. He began his administrative career as a Principal at Favorite Hill Elementary School in Piqua City Schools. Under his leadership, the school moved from an Ohio Department of Education designation of “Academic Watch” all the way up to “Excellent.” In addition he created a Parent Advisory Group and was known for strong parent participation in the school environment.
In 2009 Thompson was named Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Piqua City Schools. He oversaw the development and implementation of several curriculum initiatives including, the early literacy programs through the Straight A grants, intervention programs that are designed to help identify and support struggling students earlier, new state assessments and the Continuous Improvement Plan.
“Piqua City Schools is such an amazing place with so many wonderful opportunities for students, staff and residents,” said Thompson. “I look forward to honoring our great traditions as we continue to help students grow into incredible adults who become strong and contributing members of our community.”
He is a 1987 graduate of Piqua City Schools and also has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Ohio University. He earned his Master of Education Degree and Superintendent Certification at Wright State University. In addition he has completed several graduate courses at Ashland University, Antioch University and Miami University. He is involved in numerous community associations including Piqua Arts Council Board Member, Piqua Public Library Board Member, Kiwanis and Trustee of Awesome Piqua.
“I am so humbled and proud to be named superintendent of the school district in which I graduated,” commented Thompson. “I am excited to serve the schools and community that played such a key role in the man I’ve become and where I still call home.”
The board unanimously approved a three-year contract for Thompson that begins August 1, 2016. He will be paid an
annual salary of $118,000. He and his wife Merrianne have three children, twins Brenna and Julia who are nine and Wesley is eight years old, and live in Piqua.