Continental Local Board Honors Superintendent Danny F. Kissell for a Decade of "Visionary Leadership"

CONTINENTAL, OH — The Continental Local Schools Board of Education has issued a formal resolution honoring Superintendent Danny F. Kissell as he concludes a transformative ten-year tenure. Since taking the helm in 2016, Kissell has been credited with modernizing the district’s curriculum, stabilizing its facilities, and navigating the schools through unprecedented global challenges.

The resolution, passed during a recent board meeting, highlights Kissell’s "unwavering dedication" and his commitment to the academic and emotional well-being of the student body over the last decade.

A Legacy of Academic Modernization

Board members specifically pointed to Kissell’s focus on literacy and specialized instruction as a cornerstone of his legacy. Under his guidance, the district successfully:

Implemented the "Science of Reading" initiative, ensuring all K-6 staff became Orton-Gillingham certified.

Expanded gifted programming to the elementary level.

Launched a "One-to-One" technology program, transitioning the 7-12 grade iPad initiative into a comprehensive district-wide standard.

"He developed a curriculum plan to ensure our students and staff have the most up-to-date and relevant educational materials," the Board noted in the resolution, emphasizing that these academic shifts have set a high standard of excellence for future years.

Fiscal Responsibility and Facilities

Beyond the classroom, Kissell oversaw an ambitious facilities program. These upgrades not only improved the physical property of the schools but were designed with energy efficiency in mind—a move the Board says has saved taxpayers significant money over the long term.

His tenure was also marked by a "steady hand" during external pressures, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic and a changing landscape of state legislation toward public education.

A Community Pillar

The Board’s resolution praised Kissell as a "steadfast steward" of public trust, citing his focus on transparency and collaborative partnerships between parents, staff, and the Board of Education.

"The legacy of Danny F. Kissell’s ten-year tenure will be felt for generations to come through the improved facilities, innovative programs, and the high standard of excellence he established," the resolution stated.

The Board concluded the session by extending its deepest gratitude and wishing Kissell continued success and happiness in his future endeavors.