GJPS Superintendent “Recruited” to Apply For Pickerington Post
2April 5, 2014 by Admin
If you haven’t already heard or read the story in the Columbus Dispatch, the Superintendent of Gahanna-Jefferson Schools, Francis Scruci, has submitted his resume for consideration in the Pickerington School District opening.
Shortly afterwards on Saturday, the Gahanna-Jefferson Athletic Director, Justin Sanford, sent out the following email. We’ve decided to share it here on the Blue Blog.
“I hate to even have to do this…Some of you may be aware and those that are not aware, you will be now.
Francis Scruci loves Gahanna! Francis and Cindy have built relationships and embedded themselves into the Gahanna community and programs more so than any other superintendent since I’ve been here over the past 11 years. His intentions were for Gahanna to be his last stop before retirement in another 8 years. Last week, he was “Recruited” by Pickerington Schools to meet with them regarding their superintendent vacancy. Given the uncertainties here and having to make sure he provides security for him and Cindy, he has agreed to meet with them and discuss the position. This was highlighted in today’s issue of the Columbus Dispatch.
Sanford what are you doing?
Here’s what I’m doing. This board of education needs to hear from the masses that Francis is a great asset to this district – our kids, programs, community and this school! He has forged relationships in just the year and a half, that are deeper than that of his predecessors. He has been more transparent with our community, fiscally conservative, willing to enter into difficult conversations and make difficult decisions and he’s been Visible! Across the district from elementary to high school events including community events. He’s ALL IN when it comes to Gahanna.
And our board needs to hear it!
I’ve included email addresses of every board member at the bottom of this message for you to reach out to them either by email or by speaking in public participation at the Board of Education Meeting on Thursday April 10th 6:30 at Clark Hall or simply there as a sign of support. I will be speaking on behalf of myself and family and could certainly include athletics as well. There are countless others that intend on being there as well, as my phone has blown up this morning from community leaders, parents, coaches AND students. I hope that each of you would consider reaching out or speaking out on behalf of Francis and our need as a community and district for stability and support!
I will be happy to discuss in more detail if you’d like – simply call me and I can answer questions. 614-580-0900.
Here are the email address of our board members.
Matt Campbell – campbellmp@gjps.org
Windy McKenna – mckennaw@gjps.org
Lew Griffin – griffinl@gjps.org
Jason Phillips – phillipsj@gjps.org
Jill Schuler – schulerj@gjps.org
I’ve spoken to 2 board members this morning have calls to the others and both that I’ve spoken to already, have expressed they will respond to every email.As you know about me – I will fight for our programs, athletes and facilities if I believe it’s worth fighting for and Francis is worth fighting for! I would regret if I just allowed him to be recruited away by Pickerington without even reaching out to our board before that decision is made. The Pickerington process starts next week and our board meeting is Thursday, so I guess there’s no better time than now. Feel free to share the same with anyone you feel would be a benefit.
Go Lions!
JS
Justin Sanford,
Director of Athletics
Gahanna Lincoln High School
www.gahannalincolnathletics.com
@jsan0900
GFA Blue Blog 
We all do not know all the facts, so don’t lose heart in Superintendent Scruci until all facts are known. My personal feeling is that from all I’ve seen and heard about Francis Scruci is that he is an open, tell-it-like-it-is kind of person, he does not like Common Core and says so, he does not like a lot of things that he and teachers have to deal with with the current state of education put in place by liberal hacks, and I personally feel that he is conservative. I think there are factions on the Board of Education that are NOT conservative and do not like him because of this. I could be wrong, but I believe that he is free to discuss his contract renewal and I think the more liberal leaning members of the Board are giving him the “cold shoulder”, trying to get him to “fall into line”. If this is true, this move by Francis Scruci is a “shot across the bow”. He knows that he has the community’s backing and is liked by many. He can use that leverage to get the liberal leaning Board Members to back down. This also shines a light on who these particular board members are and come election time, guess what…bye bye. He probably has no intention of leaving, but is using his considerable clout to get done what is best for Gahanna schools without the liberal members getting in his way. Just my two cents.
Ive enjoyed the openness of this Superintendent. What are the “uncertainties” that have made him lose his love of Gahanna? What does it take to keep him here? Is nothing sacred anymore? A contract means nothing or is this a ploy for the next tax levy? One can only wonder.