BCSD News

BEREA, Ohio, August 28, 2026. The Berea City School District Board of Education has selected Berea-Midpark High School Principal Dr. Mark Smithberger to succeed Superintendent Tracy Wheeler following her retirement. Smithberger will officially begin serving as superintendent on August 1, 2027.

Wheeler remains Superintendent of Berea City Schools and will continue to lead the district throughout the entire 2026-27 school year. Smithberger will remain principal of Berea-Midpark High School during the 2026-27 school year, continuing to lead the high school and fulfill the responsibilities of his current position.

The Board conducted the superintendent search in partnership with Finding Leaders. As part of the process, Finding Leaders facilitated focus groups to gather stakeholder input and help develop the leadership profile used in the search. The Board then considered two finalists before selecting Smithberger. Finding Leaders will continue working with the district to support the transition over the coming year.

“We were fortunate to have two outstanding candidates, both of whom brought tremendous strengths to the process,” said Board of Education President Ana Chapman. “After thoughtful consideration, the Board selected Dr. Mark Smithberger as our next superintendent. We are confident he will build upon the strong foundation and successes of our district under Superintendent Tracy Wheeler and continue moving Berea City Schools forward.”

Smithberger has served as principal of Berea-Midpark High School since 2019. Prior to joining Berea City Schools, he served as principal and assistant principal at Strongsville High School. He earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from Ashland University.

“I want to thank the school board for trusting me to be the next superintendent,” Smithberger said. “I am honored and grateful to serve the Berea City Schools in this capacity.”