Newly retired Marysville Schools superintendent tapped for state education job

The recently retired Marysville Exempted Village Schools superintendent is now the top candidate for a deputy director job at the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.

Stephen Dackin, director of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, announced in a news release on June 2 that he was recommending former Marysville superintendent Diane Allen as the first deputy director of the Department’s Division of Primary and Secondary Education.

“Diane has a proven track record of driving achievement through forward-thinking leadership and collaboration with educators, families, students, higher education, and business and community partners,” Dackin said in prepared comments for the release. “Her experience and commitment to improving student outcomes make her an excellent choice to help guide Ohio’s K-12 education system into the future.”

Related article: Marysville Schools begins superintendent search amid budget cuts, emergency levy request

Allen most recently served as superintendent of the Marysville Exempted Village School District. In November 2024, Allen announced during a meeting that she would be retiring in May after 13 years leading the district, The Dispatch previously reported .

The Marysville School Board voted in March to hire district alumnus and Mount Gilead Superintendent Zack Howard to replace Allen, according to the board agenda.

In recent election cycles, the Marysville district has struggled to pass a levy, which led to faculty cuts and increases in pay-to-play sports fees, The Dispatch previously reported . However, in the May primary, district voters overwhelmingly passed an emergency levy .

Allen "is recognized for her focus on student-centered learning, strategic planning, and preparing students for real-world success," according to the release.

In a statement, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said he was pleased to have Allen join the ODEW "in our mission to advance K-12 learning across the state."

“Her years of experience will be valuable as we continue our work as a state to ensure that every Ohio student has the opportunity to reach their God-given potential," DeWine said.

Under DeWine, Ohio’s reimagined Department of Education and Workforce is to include two divisions: one centered on primary and secondary education and the other focused on career-technical education and workforce readiness.

Allen's appointment to the deputy role requires confirmation from the Ohio Senate. Once approved, she is expected to begin the role in July, according to the ODEW.

Cole Behrens covers K-12 education and school districts in central Ohio. Have a tip? Contact Cole at cbehrens@dispatch.com or connect with him on X at @Colebehr_report

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Newly retired Marysville Schools superintendent tapped for state education job