By 1808Delaware
Ohio’s public education system will soon be guided by a leader with a strong connection to central Ohio.
The State Board of Education of Ohio has announced that Dr. Philip H. Wagner will become the state’s next Superintendent of Public Instruction. Wagner, who currently serves as superintendent of Johnstown-Monroe Local Schools and resides in Delaware County, will assume the role later this summer.
The position places Wagner at the helm of the agency that works on behalf of the State Board of Education, overseeing programs and policies tied to Ohio’s teaching workforce. The office focuses on educator licensure, professional conduct and evaluations, the Resident Educator Program for new teachers, and the statewide Ohio Teacher of the Year recognition. For Delaware County, the appointment brings a notable local connection to one of Ohio’s most visible education leadership roles.
A Local Leader Moving Onto The State Stage
State Board President Paul LaRue said Wagner’s experience across multiple school systems helped set him apart during the selection process.
“Dr. Wagner is an experienced leader who is ready to make a difference as state superintendent,” LaRue said. “We want to make sure Ohio is a national leader when it comes to our teaching workforce, and he will position us to advance the work focused on having excellent educators in our classrooms.”
Wagner said he is looking forward to leading the agency and supporting educators across the state.
“I am honored to serve as the next superintendent of public instruction and lead the talented and dedicated team working on behalf of the State Board of Education and Ohio’s school communities,” Wagner said. “Ohio is home to outstanding educators and school personnel, and I’m excited to lead the work to ensure we have an excellent education workforce ready to make a difference for Ohio’s students.”
Wagner will become Ohio’s 41st State Superintendent of Public Instruction. He is also the second person to serve in the role since the State Board of Education was separated into its own agency from the former Ohio Department of Education.
A Career Spanning More Than Three Decades
Dr. Wagner’s career in education stretches back more than thirty years and includes work as a school psychologist, district administrator, and superintendent. He began his career as a school psychologist with Cleveland Metropolitan Schools and Solon City Schools. From there, he moved into administration with Hudson City Schools before later serving in leadership roles with Beachwood City Schools, including assistant superintendent.
In 2011 he was named superintendent of Licking Heights Local Schools, where he led the district for more than a decade. Since 2022, he has served as superintendent of Johnstown-Monroe Local Schools, a district that serves communities in both Licking and Delaware counties. Throughout that time, Wagner has remained rooted in Delaware County, where he lives with his wife, Maureen. The couple has three adult children.
Academic Background And Credentials
Wagner holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Kent State University. In 2006, the university awarded him a Ph.D. in educational leadership. His doctoral studies included a minor in school psychology and special education and a specialization in education law. He currently holds Ohio licenses as a superintendent, elementary principal, pupil personnel administrator, and school psychologist.
Interim Leadership Until July
While Wagner prepares to step into the position later this summer, the State Board of Education has appointed Jason Wagner, the agency’s chief legal counsel, to serve as Interim State Superintendent.
Jason Wagner assumed the interim role on March 9 and will lead the agency until Dr. Wagner officially takes office in late July. Additional information about the State Board of Education and its leadership can be found on its About Us page.
