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Recent News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DIANE XANDER APPOINTED AS POLARIS CAREER CENTER’S NEW SUPERINTENDENT

Xander brings 20+ years of educational leadership and 17 years of career-technical experience to her new role at Polaris

November 7, 2024

Middleburg Heights, OH – On November 5, 2024, the Polaris Career Center Board of Education proudly announced Diane Xander as its eleventh superintendent, following a unanimous confirmation. Xander, a dedicated leader with a lifelong commitment to public education, has built an impressive career spanning classroom teaching to leadership and administrative roles. She has been at Polaris since 2014 and currently serves as Executive Director of Innovation and Career Development, a position she has held since 2022.

Xander brings a solid academic foundation with a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and a Master of Special Education from the University of Toledo, along with an Educational Administration and Supervision Licensure from Bowling Green State University and an Ohio School Superintendent License from Cleveland State University.

Beginning her journey in the Lorain City School District as a special education teacher, Xander quickly transitioned to administrative leadership. She held principal roles at Lorain Admiral King and Lorain High Schools, where she managed the consolidation of both schools and directed career-technical programs. Since joining Polaris in 2014, Xander has served as Director of Pupil Personnel and Principal of Satellite Programs, ultimately advancing to her current role, where she oversees all workforce development initiatives, career development and enrollment services.

Xander expressed her enthusiasm for the new role: “Polaris is an exceptional institution, with dedicated students, faculty and staff all focused on student achievement. As we expand to serve more students and meet the needs of our local employer partners, I’m committed to furthering our mission, developing innovative programs and creating valuable opportunities for our community. My career journey has prepared me for this role. I am honored to be the next superintendent of Polaris Career Center.”

The Board of Education is equally optimistic about Polaris’s future under Xander’s leadership. “Diane brings a passion to education that is both palpable and contagious. And she brings a wealth of experience in multiple school settings that makes her uniquely qualified for this role. I am confident Diane is the visionary leader we need to propel Polaris forward,” stated Michelle Bissell, Polaris Board President and Strongsville City School District Board Member.

Xander will officially assume her new role on January 1, 2025, succeeding Robert Timmons, who will retire on December 31, 2024, after an impactful tenure since 2007. “Polaris truly blossomed under Bob’s leadership and the longevity of his tenure as superintendent. Bob has provided the firmest foundation for Diane to build upon. It has been my privilege to work with Bob these past five years and to learn from his calm leadership and deep knowledge of career-technical education,” Bissell added.

For more information, contact Doug Miller at 440-891-7609 or email dmiller@polaris.edu.

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