Thomas L.

Hosler

December 31, 2021

Dear Members of the Ohio Board of Education:

It is with great pleasure and interest that I am submitting my application to serve as the
State’s next Superintendent of Public Instruction. I have a unique leadership background
that includes serving students as teacher, coach, and administrator in both private and
public schools in Ohio as well as out-of-state for nearly 30 years. During this time, I have
been a leader in suburban and rural school districts, some with over 60% poverty and
districts with over 15% of students living with a disability. I have been blessed to serve
communities as a superintendent for nearly 22 years of those, 7 out of state and 15 as the
leader of Perrysburg Schools. My record is one of proven, authentic leadership, effective
collaboration at local, regional, and state levels and the ability to establish and maintain
high standards of performance for students and staff so that all students can realize their
greatest potential.

Under normal conditions, the challenges facing educators at the district level, the State
Board and the Ohio Department of Education are daunting, and the pandemic has
intensified those challenges exponentially. From learning losses to staffing shortages,
coupled with a deep political divide statewide and within most of our communities, the
pandemic has further complicated the task of educating our children. Now, more than ever,
the next State Superintendent must be a tested and proven leader with a clear vision of what
the state can do to meet the educational needs of all our children, the desire and ability to
work with a dedicated State Board and a thorough understanding of the need to develop and
maintain good working relationships with local schools, the legislature, and the state
administration.

The decision to apply for this position, the only one that I have applied for since becoming
superintendent with Perrysburg Schools, has been one of the most difficult of my
professional career. But today, across Ohio, schools are preparing to register
kindergarteners for the class of 2035. The decisions that the State Board and the
Department make during those intervening years must focus exclusively on providing those
and all other Ohio children the best educational opportunities, and the safest and most
wholesome learning atmosphere possible, and I would like to help you lead Ohio’s educators
in achieving those goals. As your state superintendent, I promise to advocate on the behalf
of all children and to work tirelessly to build relationships, solve problems, and collaborate
to ensure all Ohio’s children can achieve their greatest potential.

Sincerely,
Thomas L. Hosler
 THOMAS L. HOSLER

THOMAS L. HOSLER

OBJECTIVE
To become Ohio's Superintendent of Public Instruction.

HIGHLIGHT OF QUALIFICATIONS
! Proven success as superintendent with 22 years of experience in Ohio and Michigan.
! Recognized educational leader regionally and across the state.
! Excellent interpersonal skills and community builder.
! Successful experience serving students and communities as coach, teacher, and
administrator in private, public, rural, and suburban schools, covering a range of
socioeconomic status.
! Hands-on experience in providing school districts with fiscal stability and an understanding of
state funding.

EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Superintendent, Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools, Perrysburg, OH 2007-Present
Serve as chief administrator in Northwest Ohio’s fastest-growing school district, with a PreK-12
student enrollment near 5,700 students and approximately 650 employees. As the
superintendent, responsible for $60 million annual budget. Ultimately responsible for all human
resources and personnel matters, academic achievement and operations. Serve as school
district’s chief negotiator. Established one of the first public school development offices, which
has been highly effective in raising private funds and replicated by other school districts.

ACHIEVEMENTS
! Since being hired in 2007, have passed 8 consecutive school levies. In the 15 years prior to
2007, Perrysburg Schools failed 7 levies while passing 6.
! Successfully managed an increase of more than 1,200 students since 2007.
! Sustained increases in academic performance including the ODE Performance Index Scores
with finishing in or near the top 5% across the state.
! Fiscal responsibility, Perrysburg Schools spends $1,552.37 less per pupil than the state
average, according the most recent Cupp Report.
! Innovative practices such as creating a Development Office to raise private funds, health
clinic for employees, and living classroom for students on IEPs. Full experience fund?
! Developed and successfully implemented district-wide strategic and facility master plans.
 page 2

LEADERSHIP
! Cupp-Patterson Fair School Funding Work Group - Co-Chair Base Costs (November 2017-
Present)
! BASA Exemplary Leadership Award 2021
! BASA Executive Committee - Elected to Represent Region 1 (2017-2021)
! Alliance for High Quality Education - Chair (2017-2021)
! BASA Appreciation Recognition of Superintendent Participation on the Fair Funding
Committee 2021
! Alliance for High Quality Education - Vice Chair (2013-2017)
! Alliance for High Quality Education - Executive Committee (2008-2017, 2021-Present)
! CAPE NWO (Coalition of Advocates for PK-16 Education Northwest Ohio) - Founding
Member and President (2015-2021), Executive Committee (2021-Present)
! ODE - Appointed to Charter School Sponsor Review Committee (2014)
! Martha Holden Jennings Superintendent of the Year Performance Award 2018
! BASA Exemplary Leadership Award 2016

Superintendent, Huron School District, New Boston, MI 2000-2007

Served as chief administrator in a school district with a K-12 student enrollment of 2,400
students located in Wayne County, Michigan approximately 25 miles southwest of Detroit.
Huron Schools had approximately 28% of its students considered economically disadvantaged
and 16% of its students on IEPs. Passed first successful bond issue in 24 years. Began a
county center program for children with autism. Facilitated early childhood programs such as
“Young Fives” kindergarten program, elementary latch-key programs and Reading Recovery.
Served as President of Region 9 Michigan Association of School Administrators, President of
the Wayne County Superintendents Association (34 member districts) and President of the Tri-
County Alliance for Public Education (86 member districts).

ACHIEVEMENTS
! Successfully passed first school bond issue in over 24 years.
! Awarded Governor’s Golden Apple Award for raising state MEAP results over a three-year
period in district’s elementary schools. All schools became NCA Accredited.
! First Metro Detroit area and second school district in the state to implement comprehensive
student athlete drug testing and counseling program.
! Implemented state’s first service program where students volunteer weekly at agencies in
Wayne and Washtenaw Counties.

LEADERSHIP
! Tri-County Alliance President (2006-2007)
! Tri-County Alliance Executive Committee (2003-2006)
! MASA Region 1 President (2006-2007)
! Wayne County Superintendents Association - President (2004-2006)
 page 3

High School Principal, Addison Community Schools, Addison, MI 1996-2000

Served as the only administrator at the high school level in rural community where enrollment
was over 425 students, employed 27 faculty members and 9 support staff members. Addison,
Michigan is a rural community in central Michigan with a free and reduced lunch population
above 60% annually. Responsible for aligning curriculum in the high school with state
benchmarks and for the building of a master schedule, individual scheduling and record keeping
for all high school students. Facilitated in designing effective discipline policies. Handled all
disciplinary matters.

ACHIEVEMENTS
! Successfully implemented 4x4 block schedule and revised school attendance policy.
! Raised graduation requirements for all students.
! Implemented service learning course and senior exit interview program.
! Developed long range plan for the high school to order equipment, teaching supplies, and
textbooks.
! Implemented a broad communications and public relations plan for the high school.

Associate Principal, St. John’s Jesuit High School, Toledo, OH 1995-1996

Direct responsibility for the supervision of computerized records management system including
attendance, discipline and permanent records. Responsible for disciplinary procedures for entire
student body of more than 800 students, including follow-up parental conferences. Coordinated
Intervention and Assistance Team. Taught a section of American Literature.

ACHIEVEMENTS
! Facilitated changes in student discipline policies.
! Implemented and administered Intervention and Assistance Team.
! Revision of school and athletic substance abuse policy and planned Insight Program for
troubled students.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Junior High Teacher, Arbor Hills Junior High, Sylvania, OH 1994-1995
Responsibilities included teaching six classes. Participated in the first district-wide career unit,
which allowed 8th grade students to shadow a professional. Coached first-ever “Power of the
Pen” team, which participated on a district and regional level. One of two teachers on the
school’s IAT committee.

ACHIEVEMENTS
! Provided professional development to faculty members on new technology and conducted
building climate survey.
! Participated in IAT committee, which intervenes with students who are at risk.
! Assisted with forming school’s first “Power of the Pen” team.
 page 4

High School Teacher, St. John’s Jesuit High School, Toledo, OH 1992-1994
Responsibilities included teaching four English classes. Served on the school’s personnel
committee and Hispanic Club moderator. Head cross country coach and assistant track coach
for five years. Participated in the senior project program.

ACHIEVEMENTS
! Member of personnel committee, which successfully implemented a new health care provider
for all faculty members and designed new coaching and faculty salary structures.
! Named OHSAA 1994 District Cross Country Coach of the Year and Moderator of Hispanic
Club.

EDUCATION
Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Doctoral Courses in Educational Leadership. Cognate: Industrial Relations
2004-2008

Wayne State University, Detroit, MI

Education Specialist Certificate, Educational Policy and Leadership
Completed 2004

The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH

Master of Education in Educational Administration and Supervision
Completed 1997

The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH

Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education: English
Completed 1992

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Perrysburg Schools Foundation Board Exec. Committee Member 2007-Present
The Herb Innovation Center at Univ. of Toledo Advisory Committee 2021-Present
NW Ohio V Project (Vaccine Initiative) Education Co-Chair 2020-Present
Perrysburg Rotary 2007-Present
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church CYO Cross Country Coach 2008-2012
Ft. Meigs YMCA Board 2008-2012
Owens Community College Foundation Board 2010-2013
Perrysburg Mainstreet/Downtown Inc. Executive Board Member 2009-2011
Sylvania Schools District Key Communicator Participant 2001-2007
Huron Chamber of Commerce - Executive Board Member 2001-2007
Wayne County Homeless Student Liaison 2002-2007
Huron Township Rotary - Member 2000-2004
Sylvania School District Levy Campaign Committee (Passed) 2003-2004
Sylvania School District Board Ad-Hoc Committee - HR 1998 -2000
Addison Community Schools United Way Campaign Director 1996-2000
 page 5

REFERENCES (WITH PERMISSION)

Bradley J. Rieger Relationship: Personal and Professional
Chief Executive Officer at Cooper-Smith

Gretchen Downs Relationship: Professional

Perrysburg Schools School Board Member

Robert Cupp Relationship: Professional

Speaker, Ohio House of Representatives

Romules Durant Relationship: Professional

Superintendent, Toledo Public Schools

Marlene Davis Relationship: Professional

Retired Superintendent, Wayne County (MI)
Regional Educational Service Center

Michael Flanagan Relationship: Professional

Retired, Michigan State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Kadee Anstadt Relationship: Professional

Superintendent, Washington Local Schools

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES (WITH PERMISSION)

Douglas Mead Relationship: Professional
Director Toledo School of the Arts

Ray Pohlman Relationship: Professional

President, Perrysburg Board of Education
 page 6

Fr. Geoff Rose Relationship: Professional

President, St. Francis de Sales High School

Greg Braylock, Jr. Relationship: Professional

Vice President, Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Officer, ProMedica

John Patterson Relationship: Professional

Former Representative House District 99

Sean Savage Relationship: Personal

Financial Advisor, Savage and Associates

Chris Knight Relationship: Professional

Vice President/Chief Operating Officer at
St. John’s Jesuit High School & Academy
 Thomas L. Hosler

LEADERSHIP PROFILE

During my educational career I have proven that I can take on new responsibilities and
the challenges that they bring. I am also fortunate to have succeeded in every
circumstance and at every level as an educational leader. The leadership qualities that I
have displayed – honesty, integrity, an unrelenting work ethic, and the ability to build
consensus and articulate the vision of my organization are qualities that I possess and
have clearly demonstrated throughout my career.

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Cupp-Patterson Fair School Funding Workgroup –

Co-Chair Base Costs 2017-Present
Selected by then Representatives Cupp and Patterson to serve on a workgroup to
answer the question: “What do Ohio’s school-aged youths need in order to acquire a
high-quality education?” My colleagues and I—with input from legislators, experts,
educators, and anyone who was willing to provide commentary—created the Fair School
Funding Plan. The base cost concept was adopted in the State’s 2021 Biennium Budget.

NWO CAPE K-16 – Executive Committee 2021-Current

The mission of CAPE-NWO is to provide a collective voice focused on positive direction
promoting quality education for all students, PK-16, in Northwest Ohio. The Coalition
carries out its mission by collaborating with decision-makers and key stakeholders. As
an executive team member, I contribute to helping set the goals and agenda of the
organization while supporting the President.

BASA Executive Committee - Elected to Represent Region 1 2017-2021

Elected to BASA to represent the superintendents in Northwest Ohio on the Buckeye
Association of School Administrators (BASA) Executive Board. Responsibilities include
helping set association goals and legislative agenda.

Alliance for High Quality Education - Chair 2017-2021

Elected as Chair, responsible for building and maintaining a coalition of the 74 highest-
achieving school districts in Ohio. Helped lead the organization’s efforts to achieve
adequacy and fairness in Ohio’s school funding system, to provide essential professional
insight into the struggle to create and implement sound education policy that benefits all
of Ohio’s youth, and to facilitate the integration of new concepts and practices in the
never-ending quest for more effective methods to stimulate, motivate, and lead our young
people to unprecedented levels of learning, enlightenment, and understanding.

NWO CAPE K-16 - Founding Member and President 2015-2021

As a superintendent in Northwest Ohio, collaborated with some of my colleagues and
the Deans from the Colleges of Educations from BGSU and UT to form an organization
that would provide a collective voice focused on positive direction promoting quality
education for all students, PK-16, in Northwest Ohio. The Coalition carries out its
mission by collaborating with decision-makers and key stakeholders. Elected by my
peers to serve as the first-ever president of the organization that remains highly active.

Alliance for High Quality Education - Vice Chair 2013-2017

Elected as Vice Chair, responsible for supporting the Chair and Executive Committee in
maintaining a coalition of the 74 highest-achieving school districts in Ohio. Helped lead
the organization’s efforts to provide essential professional insight in the struggle to
create and implement sound education policy that benefits all of Ohio’s youth.

Alliance for High Quality Education - Executive Committee 2008-2017/2021-Current

Elected as Executive Committee Member, responsible for supporting the Executive
Committee in maintaining a coalition of the 74 highest-achieving school districts in Ohio.

ODE - Appointed to Charter School Sponsor Review Committee 2014-2015

Selected by Ohio’s Superintendent of Public Instruction to serve on an independent
three-member panel to advise ODE on a process to review and create a system to
evaluate community school sponsors.

President, Tri-County Alliance for Public Education 2006-2007

The Tri-County Alliance for Public Education includes 86 superintendents in the Wayne,
Oakland and Macomb Counties, which services 700,000 Michigan students. This area
represents 44% of Michigan’s total student population and is responsible for more than
$4.7 billion of the K-12 state school aid budget (42% of the total). Working cooperatively
as a region, the Tri-County Alliance for Public Education positively impacts critical
educational and policy issues, thereby assuring excellence and equity for the 700,000
students it serves. Elected as President, responsible for building and maintaining a
coalition amongst school districts that have the most diverse student populations in the
state. As President, often served as point person for media on statewide school issues
and three critical areas of concern were developed into policy positions: Student
Learning, Funding/Cost Containment and School Governance.

President, Michigan Association of School Administrators

(MASA), Region 9 2006-2007
Elected as President to represent the superintendents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb
Counties (not including Detroit Public Schools as they are their own Region) on the
Michigan Association of School Administrators (MASA) Executive Board.
Responsibilities include helping set the association’s goals and legislative agenda.

Executive Board Member, Tri-County Alliance for Public Education 2003-2006

The Tri-County Alliance for Public Education includes 86 superintendents in the Wayne,
Oakland and Macomb Counties. Elected as Executive Board Member, responsible for
supporting present and executive director by establishing goals and objectives to meet
the diverse needs of students in this area of Michigan.

President, Wayne County Superintendents Association 2006-2007

As President of the Wayne County Superintendents Association, was responsible for
setting agenda for monthly meetings for 34 superintendents, and served as a liaison
between county office (Wayne RESA) and local school districts.
Michigan Association of School Administrators – Membership
Services Committee Region 9 2003-2006
Responsible for recruiting mentor superintendents for new superintendents in Wayne,
Oakland, and Macomb Counties, planning statewide new superintendents’ conference
and improving services to members of the professional association. In 2004,
implemented state’s first “Superintendents’ Field Trip to Lansing” with new
superintendents from Region 9. The goal was to teach new superintendents how to
effectively communicate with their legislators and ended with a face-to-face meeting with
their own legislators.

Vice President, Michigan Liquid Asset Fund (MILAF) –

Executive Board 2004-2007
The Michigan Liquid Asset Fund is a comprehensive cash management program
created in 1987 by the Michigan School Board Association to service 386 of the 554
school districts in the state with over $1.4 billion in funds. An executive board consisting
of the executive directors of the MASB, MASA and MSBO, one superintendent, three
school business officials, and one school board member were elected to oversee the
management of the fund.

LEADERSHIP AND COACHING HONORS

BASA Exemplary Leadership Award 2021
BASA Recognition Award 2021
Martha Holden Jennings Superintendent of the Year Performance Award 2018
BASA Exemplary Leadership Award 2016
OHSAA OAT & CC District Cross Country Coach of the Year 1994
Monroe Evening News Regional Cross-Country Coach of the Year 1990
 THOMAS L. HOSLER

PODCASTS

“In the Arena: Conversations of a Lifetime” - guest Tom Hosler on January 22, 2021
What makes leaders tick? In the Arena podcast delves into the inner workings and
personal dynamics of leadership. We’ll shine a light on the life-shaping experiences
and perspectives of leaders who have navigated adversity and moved their
organizations and themselves forward. Defining moments, lessons learned, and
points of inspiration provide a roadmap for these conversations of a lifetime.

https://inthearenabradrieger.buzzsprout.com/1343629/8014256

“The Nerdball Podcast” - guest Tom Hosler on January 7, 2021

Perrysburg parent Lorenzo Melchor sits down with his guests twice a week to see
what he can find out about them. Listen every Monday and Thursday to hear all
the great talks.

https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-vsb85-f6e799

“The Jack Bowe Show” – guest Tom Hosler on March 11, 2021
Perrysburg High School student, Jack Bowe, interviews Superintendent Tom Hosler
on the current state of the schools, how the pandemic has affected learning, and
about the future of Perrysburg Schools’ financial and growth situation.

https://lnns.co/_QaVMKeY1Fc

EXAMPLES OF TESTIMONY

Superintendent testifies before Ohio Senate Primary and Secondary

Education Committee in support of HB110 – Monday, May 10, 2021

Monday, Perrysburg Schools Superintendent Tom Hosler again presented

testimony before the Ohio Senate Primary and Secondary Education Committee in
support of House Bill 110. Mr. Hosler is co-chairperson of the Base Cost
Subcommittee of the Cupp-Patterson School Funding Workgroup along with Akron
Public Schools CFO Ryan Pendleton, which includes eight superintendents and eight
treasurers from across the state. The goal of this work group is to create a fair
system to fund Ohio schools.

Here is an excerpt from the Q&A portion where Mr. Hosler speaks directly about
the impact of the broken funding system on Perrysburg and its taxpayers:

https://www.ohiochannel.org/video/ohio-senate-primary-and-secondary-education-
committee-5-10-2021?start=6405

Testimony in Support of the Proposed Fair Funding Plan for Ohio’s Schools
Ohio House Finance Committee on Substitute House Bill 305 in Support of the
Proposed
Fair Funding Plan for Ohio’s Schools – November 17, 2020

Superintendent Tom Hosler presented the following testimony before the Ohio
House Finance Committee in support of the proposed Fair Funding Plan for Ohio
Schools. Click here to watch the video--the Q&A section begins at 2:24:20.

https://www.perrysburgschools.net/protected/PrintArticle.aspx?iid=6GUPUPB&dasi
=3PU0

NEWS PROGRAMS GUEST

“The Leading Edge with Jerry Anderson” – St. Francis High School President
Father Geoff Rose and Perrysburg Schools Superintendent Tom Hosler
discussed the letter they authored together about EdChoice on February 26, 2020

https://www.wtol.com/video/news/local/leading-edge/feb-16-2020-leading-edge-
with-jerry-anderson-part-1-father-geoff-rose-and-tom-hosler/512-f9542bd1-1847-
4a48-947f-11a5d5ab8b90?jwsource=cl

“The Leading Edge with Jerry Anderson” – Guest Tom Hosler regarding the
2019 School Operating Levy on October 27, 2019

https://www.wtol.com/video/news/local/leading-edge/leading-edge-tom-
hosler/512-399630dd-23e8-48a7-8f9c-966b0ddad31f?jwsource=cl
OTHER MEDIA
Perrysburg Schools Development Program – October 21, 2021
A new partnership between a local school district and ProMedica will provide new
programs and resources for the next decade and beyond. ProMedica and
Perrysburg High School will give students an opportunity to learn and grow in the
STEM fields. “Today represents all that is right in our community,” Perrysburg
superintendent Tom Hosler said. “We have two premier organizations partnering to
improve the human condition here in Perrysburg and across the region.” The health
care company is giving $500,000 to the school over the next six years. The money
will go toward programs and projects in math, science, engineering, and technology
courses, but also fine arts and career exploration programs.

https://www.13abc.com/2021/10/14/promedica-perrysburg-high-school-announce-
new-partnership/

TEDxWayPublicLibrary – “45 records and the changing face of education: Tom

Hosler” – May 2, 2014
What do 45 records, Detroit, and the automotive industry have to do with
education? Tom Hosler talks about the rise, fall, and rebirth of the "Big Three" and
how that relates to the challenges and changes faced by schools in the United
States.

https://youtu.be/fAPIeYohxaM