ESC Governing Board Votes to Approve Michael L. Sawyers as Next Superintendent

NOTE: This article was updated April 24, 2026, to note the Governing Board's official approval. 

The ESC Governing Board announces it has voted to approve Michael L. Sawyers as its next Superintendent — effective August 1, 2026 — at its regular meeting on April 24, 2026. The appointment marks a significant milestone for the agency, which serves 32 client school districts, more than 225,000 students, and eight counties across Central Ohio.

“The ESC is excited to move forward with Mr. Sawyers and looks forward to his leadership in the agency,” said Governing Board President Barry Alcock. “Though either finalist would have been a fine choice, Mr. Sawyers stood apart as being best suited to take on the work ahead.”

 

About Michael L. Sawyers

Sawyers brings more than 34 years of public education experience spanning urban, suburban, rural, and statewide settings. He has served as Superintendent of New Albany–Plain Local Schools since 2016, leading a high-performing district of more than 5,100 students on a 120-acre campus. As a current ESC Partner Superintendent and active mentor through the Buckeye Association of School Administrators (BASA), Sawyers arrives with firsthand knowledge of and deep commitment to ESC's mission and the 32 districts it serves.

A seasoned statewide leader, Sawyers previously served the Ohio Department of Education in the roles of Acting State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Deputy Superintendent, and Associate Superintendent, where he served as the state's liaison to all 600+ Ohio school districts — including Educational Service Centers — and advised the Governor, State Board, and General Assembly on PreK–12 policy and the landmark $400 million Race to the Top grant involving 438 LEAs.

Earlier in his career, Sawyers served as Superintendent, Director of Human Resources, Director of Curriculum, as a building administrator, and a teacher in multiple Ohio school communities. 

Michael shared, “I am truly honored and energized to join the ESC of Central Ohio family.  This agency has an extraordinary legacy built on trust, relationships, collaboration, and an unwavering belief that every student, in every district, deserves access to exceptional resources and support.  I have witnessed firsthand the difference the ESC makes, and I am deeply committed to listening to our 32 member districts, innovating alongside our team, and ensuring the ESC remains the educational partner of choice for Central Ohio.”

Recognition & Professional Honors

Sawyers' leadership and service have been recognized through numerous honors:

• 2025 Jeanne & John G. McCoy Community Service Award — New Albany Community Foundation
• 2024 Exemplary Leadership Award — Buckeye Association of School Administrators (BASA)
• 2018 Delta Award for Outstanding Business Leader — New Albany Chamber of Commerce
• 2013 Distinguished Service Award — Buckeye Association of School Administrators (BASA)

Education, Licensure & Professional Activities

In addition to post-graduate studies, Sawyers holds a Master of Science in Education (Educational Leadership) and a Bachelor of Science in Education and Spanish from the University of Akron. He is a graduate of the Ohio School Leadership Institute (OSLI) and the Ohio Principal's Leadership Academy, and holds valid Ohio licenses as Superintendent, Principal, and Spanish Teacher. He is a frequent presenter for and active member of BASA, an active member of AASA and MSSA, a former President of the Central Ohio School Superintendents Association, a Board of Directors member for the Ohio School Plan, and an ex-officio board member of the New Albany Community Foundation and the Jeanne B. McCoy Center.

 

For more information, visit https://www.escco.org/superintendentsearch2026 or contact Wade Lucas, ESC of Central Ohio, at Wade.Lucas@escco.org or (614) 440-1978.