McCann Considering Leaving Shorewood for Ohio School Chief Position

Shorewood Schools Supt. Blane McCann is one of six finalists for a superintendent's position in Columbus, OH, he confirmed Wednesday.

McCann pursued the opportunity to be closer to family, he said.

“I haven’t made any decisions, but felt this was an opportunity I needed to explore,” McCann said.

He said he was contacted by a firm around a week and a half ago about the position and decided to file an application. However, he was notified he was in the running for the position only days ago. McCann is one of six candidates being considered for a superintendent position in the Worthington School District in Columbus. According to a report from the Columbus Local News, the Worthington District had 19 applicants.

McCann said he loves his position in Shorewood, but the district in Columbus is a high-achieving and strong school district and would be a good fit for him.

Growing up close to Columbus, McCann said, the move would bring him closer to family in the area.

"My brother still lives an hour away, and would be great to be close to family," McCann said.

Interviews for the position are expected to start Monday.

The position became available March 17 after current Worthington Schools Superintendent Melissa Conrath announced her retirement. She has been school chief since January 2006.

McCann has served as superintendent of the Shorewood School District since August 2003, with a current annual salary of $152,250. Conrath's salary is currently $141,786.

The Worthington district consists of 14 schools, with approximately 9,500 students from suburbs of metro Columbus. In comparison, Shorewood School District's enrollment is approximately 2,050.