New L-P Schools superintendent ready for school year
Jennifer Allerding
When talking with new Loudonville-Perrysville Exempted Village Schools Superintendent Jennifer Allerding, it is easy to see why she was a top candidate for the role of leading the school district. She rarely answers a question or completes a sentence without using one or more of these words — students, district or community.
And with those words at the top of her list of most important areas to emphasize, the transition has been smooth heading into the 2023-24 school year.
“I believe that the foundation of everything we do begins with positive relationships,” she said. “I have had the opportunity to meet several staff, families and community members so far. I look forward to meeting our students and continue to develop relationships to support the children of our community.
“With that foundation in place, we can work together collaboratively and make great things happen for our students.”
Allerding said long-term she is looking forward to engaging the community in conversations about facilities and planning for the future of the district.
“I am thankful for what the community has provided while at the same time I am excited about opportunities to invest in future Redbirds,” she said.
Allerding took over the job on Aug. 1 after spending the past three years as the Galion City Schools superintendent. Before taking over as superintendent at Galion, she was the district’s director of instruction and learning. She was introduced at an L-P Board of Education meeting back in March and awarded a three-year contract.
She had previously been employed at Massillon City and Tuscarawas Valley Local School Districts.
When the L-P job became available, she knew this is where she wanted to be.
“The community of Loudonville-Perrysville has a special place in my heart,” she said. “When my son was diagnosed with cancer twice, the community rallied around my family. I made the commitment that if I ever had the opportunity to make a difference in the community, I would.
“The desire to move to L-P provides me the opportunity to give back to a community that gave so much to our family, provides me the ability to be home and to spend more time with my family.”
In the ever-changing landscape of public education, Allerding has her sights set on making multiple impacts on the lives of everyone around her.
“Making decisions that are in the best interest of our children is at the heart of every decision I make,” she said. “There is a wonderful team of teachers, support staff and administrators that work hard to support and care for our students. I look forward to working collaboratively with all parties to make a positive impact in the lives of our kids.
“I am thankful to have the opportunity to serve the community as your superintendent.”