Catherine Trevathan to lead Hillsdale Local as new superintendent of schools

• Trevathan was chosen from a field of 33 candidates.
• She'll start her new duties Aug. 1 at an annual salary of $120,000.
• Trevathan replaces the retiring Steve Dickerson.

Note: This story has been updated to include newly provided information on Catherine Trevathan's salary.

MOHICAN TWP. − Catherine Trevathan is the new superintendent of Hillsdale Local Schools.

She was chosen this week from a field of 33 candidates, according to a news release from the Ashland County district.

“I am truly honored to join the Hillsdale family,” she said in the release.

Ten candidates were singled out for first-round interviews, said Kevin Kimmel, superintendent of Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center, which aided in the search.

The board interviewed three candidates in the final round, Kimmel said via email.

Trevathan has served in administrative positions at school districts in the U.S. and overseas for more than 15 years, the release states.

“I commend the Hillsdale Local Schools Board of Education for involving their staff and school community in providing feedback during the final round of interviews," Kimmel said in the release.

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Trevathan replacing Dickerson as Hillsdale superintendent

The district's search to replace the retiring Steve Dickerson, who has served Hillsdale Local for more than 10 years, started early this year. Interviews began in March.

"Our Board was impressed with Dr. Trevathan’s enthusiasm and dedication to her profession," school board President Vella King said in a prepared statement. "Her passion for students and experience as a leader will assist Hillsdale in operationalizing our new mission and strategic plan.”

The district had distributed a strategic planning survey among staff and some community members at the start of the year.

At that time it was announced the school system was looking for "a leader who can drive improvements and academic performance, demonstrates fiscal responsibility, and possesses the ability to work collaboratively with faculty members, staff, students, parents and community stakeholders."Trevathan starts her three-year contract Aug. 1 at an annual salary of $120,000.

From principal to superintendent

According to her resume, Trevathan has been Little Miami Local School District's high school principal in Morrow, Ohio since 2013. She has also served the district as its director of student services.

Additionally, Trevathan has logged experience as an administrator of special education in Huber Heights City Schools, and as an intervention specialist in schools in Cincinnati and Harrison.

She has also served as a general education teacher in Arizona, Turkey and Bulgaria.

Trevathan earned a doctorate of education in leadership from American College of Education in Indianapolis; a master's in administration from the University of Cincinnati; a master's in special education from Northern Arizona University in Falstaff; and a bachelor's in English from The College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati.

She pledged to deliver an “exceptional educational experience for every student in the Hillsdale Local SchoolDistrict.”

"Together, we will build on the district’s successes and address the challenges to ensure that each and every student reaches their full potential," Trevathan said in the release.

In her resume, Trevathan said she uses her 25 years of experience in many ways, including "to elevate equity and accessibility among diverse populations."

Trevathan and her husband, Ian, have two sons and plan to relocate to the district.

Correspondent Linda Hall contributed to this story.