The East Knox Local School District Board of Education announced the appointment of Richard J. Baird as its new superintendent of schools on Thursday, May 23. The decision was made following a three-month search and interview process.

"Rich Baird brings eight and one-half years of experience as a superintendent," stated Lindsay Bush, the Board of Education President, according to an East Knox Local School District press release. "The board will look to him to use that experience to be a community leader bringing together the students, staff, and school community. We are excited to bring a leader of this caliber to the East Knox Local School District."

Bush also disclosed Baird's official start date as Aug. 1, in another press release from the district. She added that Baird would collaborate with the administrative team prior to his official start date to ensure a smooth transition.

According to an East Knox Local School District press release, Baird was hired at a regular board meeting on Thursday. The comprehensive search process included focus groups from all sectors of the community. Over 50 individuals from the local school district community participated in the interview process. Representatives from teachers, administrators, support staff, community leaders, students, and parents were involved in the final interview night.

Prior to his new role at East Knox Local School District, Baird served as the North Union Local School District superintendent in Riverwood, Ohio since 2015. Before this position, he was principal at Sells Middle School for nine years in Dublin, Ohio. He held positions as chair of both the Union County Family Council and Union County Drug Free Youth Coalition. In addition to these roles, he was recognized as the 2020 United Way of Union County Community Champion. Under his leadership, North Union school district received accolades such as Ohio Department of Education High Progress School of Honor and Momentum award for academic progress.