Richland One selects Dr. Todd Anthony Walker as new superintendent

The Richland One Board of School Commissioners voted unanimously Friday to offer the position of superintendent to Dr. Todd Anthony Walker, pending contract negotiations.

Dr. Walker, who is currently the chief curriculum and instruction officer in the Columbus City Schools in Columbus, Ohio, was one of three finalists selected by the Board from a field of 42 applicants from 12 states. Seven applicants were selected for interviews and three were named finalists.

Dr. Walker’s previous positions in the Columbus City Schools include serving as director and high school principal of the Columbus Africentric Early College PK-12 campus. He began his tenure in the district in 2000 as a high school English teacher.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio; a Master of Education degree in English education and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in education policy and leadership, both from The Ohio State University; and a Juris Doctorate degree in governance and negotiation from Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio.

BWP & Associates was the search firm hired by the Board to conduct a national superintendent search. The superintendent search included an online survey; three community forums; 31 focus groups; virtual interviews with seven candidates by the Board; visits to the district by the three finalists; community meet-and-greets with the three finalists; and in-person interviews with the three finalists by the Board.

Lominack said the next step, upon successful contract negotiations and the Board’s approval, will be to hold an event to provide students, staff, parents and community members an opportunity to meet Dr. Walker.

July 1, 2025 will be the start date for the new superintendent.