- Berea City School District
- Overview
Once a Brave, now a Titan
Homecoming: Once a Brave, now a Titan
In addition to Tracy Wheeler taking the reins of superintendent this coming school year, a familiar face to many will be joining her as assistant superintendent. Mike Draves, who is also coming to the district from Brunswick City Schools, previously worked in the Berea City School District from 1997 until 2009 as a teacher and administrative intern. Tracy Wheeler’s hiring as superintendent included the opportunity to recommend an assistant superintendent to the board. The current assistant superintendent and business services director, Jeff Grosse, accepted an opportunity at Shaker Heights City Schools as Chief Operating Officer for the district.
Draves has been at Brunswick City Schools since leaving Berea Schools in 2009. He spent 4 years as the assistant principal of Brunswick High School serving under Tracy Wheeler. He then took over as principal of the high school in 2013. Last year, he transitioned to the role of Personnel Director. The district initially became aware of Draves’ credentials and his desire to return when he was interviewed as part of the superintendent search by Finding Leaders.
What drives Draves?
Draves is looking to help lead the district into a dynamic learning community based on integrity, trust, and transparency. He seeks to build new community partnerships and strengthen existing ones. He will be coming back to the district with high expectations and the belief that all students can achieve.
When word spread of Draves’ hiring, many welcomed him “home” to his old stomping grounds. Draves stated, “I am thrilled to be back home! Obviously, this is very bittersweet for me as my time in Brunswick was very special to me and we accomplished a lot in our time there. The desire to return home was too great to pass up. The opportunity to give back to Berea City Schools and our three communities was always something I hoped I would be able to do again! I cannot wait to see everyone again and get to work.”