CHOSEN — Steubenville High School Principal Ted Gorman will take on a new role this August after being named the new superintendent at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School. Gorman, left, was approved during the JVS school board meeting on Tuesday and received a three-year contract, succeeding current leader Todd Phillipson, right, who will depart this July after nearly 30 years at the career-technical school. -- Contributed

BLOOMINGDALE — Ted Gorman will depart his longtime post as Steubenville High School principal to head the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School after being selected its newest superintendent.

Gorman was formally approved during Tuesday’s regular JVS school board session and will take the helm on Aug. 1, succeeding current leader Todd Phillipson. Board President Steve Bezak III said five candidates applied for the position and underwent interviews earlier this month with members of the board’s personnel committee, plus leaders received assistance from Jefferson County Educational Service Center Superintendent Chuck Kokiko and Phillipson in the search.

“First and foremost, I need to thank Dr. Chuck Kokiko and his staff for all the help in the process of searching for the next superintendent of the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School. The support given to the personnel committee was invaluable,” Bezak said. “We are thankful to all of the applicants for their time in preparing and meeting with us for the interview process. (Committee members) Ruth Anne Bruzzese, Julie Ault, Ron Smyth and I have put a lot of time in the last few months setting timelines, selecting questions, reviewing resumes, conducting interviews and evaluating five highly qualified candidates and then choosing one to recommend for the board to vote on to lead the JVS. After lengthy conversations, the committee selected Ted Gorman as the candidate. We are excited to see the ideas he has put to work to help the school into the future for the students of Jefferson County and the surrounding communities.”

Bezak also cited Phillipson for offering his assistance with the search and board member Ruth Anne Bruzzese lauded Bezak for his work in leading the effort. Following an executive session, Gorman was formally approved and received a three-year contract to oversee the career-technical facility. He thanked the board members and said was eager to begin his new role, but he also looked back to his time at Steubenville.

“I’m honored to accept the position of superintendent of the JVS. I appreciate the confidence shown in me by the board during this process. I look forward to working alongside the outstanding students and dedicated staff at the JVS as we continue to build a strong future together,” Gorman continued. “I’ve had a great run during my 11 years as principal at Steubenville High School. I truly value the relationships we’ve built and the many accomplishments we’ve achieved together. I’m going to miss the incredible students, staff and alumni I’ve had the privilege to work with over the years.”

Gorman, an SHS alumnus in his own right, spent more than three decades at Steubenville as a special education teacher and administrator. He first served as dean of students before becoming assistant principal and principal. He said he was looking for a change when the JVS superintendent’s position became available and was prepared to make the move.

“After 32 years, I was ready for new challenges. I saw the job posting at the JVS and was interested in pursuing it,” he said.

Gorman noted his familiarity with career-technical education since Steubenville began with three courses and expanded with the Pugliese STEM Academy, and he said the highlight of his career has been working with the students, staff and alumni. Now, he wants to look ahead and help the JVS soar to success.

“I want to look at the current programs and see how we can help keep the same or improve them. I am also looking to add to the facilities and programs, including adult education programs. I feel there is a need for adult education programs to fill the void in the community with the loss of EGCC.”

But first, he plans to complete his tenure at Steubenville by watching the latest alumni make their way into the world.

“One of the final honors I’ll have is announcing the names of the senior class as they walk across the stage at graduation — something that means the world to me.”

In November, Phillipson announced plans to leave after nearly three decades at the JVS. He began teaching social studies and English in 1996 before becoming assistant principal and principal, and then he was named superintendent in 2014. He plans to depart on July 31 but noted his approval in Gorman’s capabilities.

“I think he’ll make a good fit as superintendent with all of his expertise,” Phillipson concluded. “I think he can continue the JVS on a path to success.”