Superintendent to retire in July
By Kevin Kelley
Westlake
Published Dec. 20, 2006

James Costanza

James Costanza, superintendent of the Westlake City School District since August 1998, announced his plans to retire at the end of the current school year at Monday evening’s regular board of education meeting.

Costanza, who has spent 42 years in the education field, said he plans on continuing to teach education law at John Carroll University.

No timetable has been set for appointing a replacement. But in a statement the board said it plans to move deliberately and quickly in the search for a successor.

Costanza said he believed it was a good time to announce his retirement, adding that the district’s finances were stable and new employee contracts were in place.

“I wanted to get the levy passed,” Costanza said of the operating levy which passed in May after losing the year before.

When asked what he considered his top achievement while leading the district, Costanza replied, “It’s the achievement of children.” He said he was most proud of the fact that student achievement as expressed through test scores has consistently gone up.

Reading from a statement he sent to faculty and staff members earlier in the day, he thanked all who shared in the success of the district but added there is still much to be accomplished in the coming year.

Westlake School Board President Renee D’Ettorre Wargo praised Costanza for keeping the district on pace with state and federal educational standards.

“We applaud him for being a dedicated educator and manager,” D’Ettorre Wargo said. “The district is in its best financial and academic condition in years, and thanks to Dr. Costanza’s leadership, academic needs are being addressed by a staff and parent base that makes learning a top priority in Westlake.”

Board member Andrea Rocco told Costanza, “I think it’s because of you the district has moved forward so far.”

In an interview with West Life, Mayor Dennis Clough said it will be difficult for the district to find someone of Costanza’s caliber to succeed him.

“He will be missed,” Clough said. “He has brought Westlake’s level of excellence to the highest standards possible.”

Costanza’s resignation will be effective July 31, 2007.