From the Superintendent’s Desk: Meet Michael Sawyers

Michael L. Sawyers officially joined the ESC of Central Ohio as Superintendent on August 3, bringing more than 34 years of experience in public education. Throughout his career, he has served in leadership roles across urban, suburban, rural, and statewide educational settings. Before joining the ESC, Sawyers spent 14 years leading New Albany-Plain Local Schools as Superintendent.

As he begins this new chapter leading our agency, we sat down with Michael to learn more about his background, leadership philosophy, and what inspires him. Get to know Superintendent Michael Sawyers in this Q&A.

Leadership & Vision 

What drew you to the opportunity to serve as the next Superintendent of the ESC of Central Ohio?  

I have served as a client superintendent partnering with ESCCO, so I have seen its impact firsthand. This role lets me take everything I value, service, equity, and building trust district by district and apply it on a regional scale.  We have the responsibility to help close gaps that individual districts cannot close alone, in service to staff and most importantly, students. 

As you prepare to step into this role, what excites you most about joining the ESC? 

The chance to serve 32 districts and more than 225,000 students across eight counties. I am energized by the shared-services model of pooling resources, so every district, large or small, gets access to the same quality of support. 

With more than 34 years in public education, what experiences have shaped your leadership philosophy the most? 

A decade as Superintendent at New Albany-Plain Local Schools, my time at the Ohio Department of Education as Acting State Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, and Associate Superintendent responsible for the implementation of Race to the Top with over 400 school districts throughout Ohio, and my years of service in urban, rural and suburban school districts all taught me the same lesson: leadership is about listening first, then leading with purpose and accountability. 

What do you believe is the most important role an Educational Service Center plays in supporting school districts?  

Being an equalizer. Bringing equity of access, cost-efficiency, and coordinated expertise to districts that could not offer the same breadth of services on their own. ESCCO exists to close that gap and provide solutions needed to support member schools, their faculty and staff, and students. 

What are you most looking forward to learning during your first few months at the ESC?  

I'll spend my first 100+ days actively listening to learn, partnering with Dave Weaver to visit every one of our client districts, meeting staff and boards to expand my understanding while building relationships, and learning what's working and what we may improve upon, before shaping our path forward together. 

Just for Fun 

Coffee or tea?  

Typically, a one cup coffee guy. 

Early bird or night owl? 

Night owl.  

What's one book, podcast, or leadership resource you'd recommend to others? 

Leadership On The Line by Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky 

What's a hobby or interest outside of work that people might not know about?  

I like to cook; it is therapeutic and relaxing for me. I am a Disney fan, particularly Mickey Mouse. I love to travel to experience new cultures and the world through the eyes of residents. 

Do you have a favorite central Ohio destination or hidden gem? 

I enjoy walking our dogs around the paths at Buckeye Lake to absorb the sounds and watch the people and boats on the water. 

Looking Ahead 

What message would you like to share with ESC staff as you prepare to join the team?  

I am honored to join you. I am coming in ready to listen, learn, ask questions, build strong relationships, and lead the work required to meet the needs of our member schools.  We are accountable for our work and must be adaptable to the changing needs of our schools, their faculty and staff, and the partners with whom we are required to work with or choose to work with on their behalf.  Together, we will build a culture that drives our work strategically and systematically. 

What would you like our client districts to know about you as we begin this partnership?  

I have sat in the school district seats where our clients serve daily, so I understand your needs from that side of the table. You will have a partner who listens without an agenda and works to make the entire ESCCO accessible, responsive, and indispensable to your success. 

When you think about your first year as Superintendent, what do you hope to accomplish? 

I will build relationships and partnerships by listening, learning, and leading.  I will implement a comprehensive plan with defined outcomes.  I will lay a foundation of trust with our Governing Board, staff, and partners.  We will define and build the culture necessary to produce positive accountable outcomes based upon the needs of our member schools, our partners, and our agency.  

What does "#BeTheDifference" mean to you as you begin this new chapter? 

It is a daily choice to show up in service of others, for staff, for districts, and for every student across Central Ohio. Choosing a positive attitude, fulfilling our individual job responsibilities with pride, and committing to small, consistent acts of purpose will increase our effectiveness while positively impacting those we serve.  We are stronger together.