EUCLID, OH - The Euclid City Schools Board of Education has officially appointed Mrs. Karen Brown as the next Superintendent of Euclid Schools, selecting a proven leader whose career has been defined by a profound commitment to Euclid students, staff and the community.
Mrs. Brown brings more than 25 years of experience within the District to her new role. She began her career as an English teacher at Euclid High School before transitioning into a school counselor, where she discovered a passion for helping students connect their high school experiences to future success. Throughout her time at EHS, she focused on guiding students to better understand how their decisions in high school can help shape their opportunities later, ensuring they were prepared to pursue their dreams after graduation.
Her work in career readiness expanded as she became the High School's Coordinator of Career Technical Education and Post-Secondary Enrollment Options Coordinator. In this new role, Mrs. Brown helped transform access to college courses by transitioning students from off-campus classes to College Credit Plus coursework offered directly at the high school. This shift removed barriers and significantly expanded participation, resulting in one of the largest CCP programs in Northeast Ohio. Her leadership also strengthened Career Technical programming, ensuring students could explore career interests early and gain valuable experience before making post-graduate commitments. Her impact as a high school educator was recognized in 2016 when she was named an Outstanding Educator by the Euclid Teachers Association.
Mrs. Brown’s leadership journey continued at the Fordyce Administration Building in 2016, where she served as Coordinator, and later, Director of Strategic Initiatives. In these roles, she was instrumental in advancing districtwide priorities and strengthening systems that support student success. Including the establishing the nation’s first Pre-school FabLab in an early childhood setting.
Since 2020, Mrs. Brown has served as Assistant Superintendent, helping to lead a period of growth and innovation across Euclid Schools. Her work has included navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic while also helping to open the District’s Early Learning Village and new Secondary Campus. She played a key role in the development of the Memorial Options Center and ChanceLight Euclid, expanding pathways and supports for students with diverse needs.
The Memorial Options Center provides innovative, student-centered programming while offering wraparound services and alternative pathways for at-risk students. Memorial is also home to initiatives such as the Family Resource Center, the Tri-C ASPIRE Adult Diploma program, and career-centered education programs like Automation & Robotics, Job Training & Coordination and the THRIVE program, giving students different ways to learn and providing different pathways to success.
As the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Mrs. Brown has overseen the following departments: Student Wellness, Enrollment and Engagement, Attendance and Residency, EMIS, Student Discipline, and College & Career Readiness – ensuring that all students have access to high-quality instruction, services, and programing to maximize every student’s potential.
“Mrs. Brown went through quite the process, including some quite stiff competition,” Board of Education Board Member Evan Botzki said. “She worked her way through this process and impressed us all. We are quite excited to see where she takes the Euclid Schools on this journey forward.”
Mrs. Brown earned her Bachelor’s degree in English, with a minor in Secondary Education from Case Western Reserve University and her Masters of Education in School Counseling from John Carroll University. Through the Cleveland State University Center for Educational Leadership, Mrs. Brown participated in the First Ring Leadership Academy while obtaining her Principal’s license and later her Superintendent’s Licensure.
“Thank you to the Board for trusting me with the awesome responsibility of leading this district,” Mrs. Brown said. “My focus will be on creating educational experiences that help our students grow, prepare them for an ever-changing future, and instill in them the confidence to know they belong in whatever spaces they choose to occupy. More importantly, I want them to know they are prepared to lead in those spaces, in part because of the education and support they received in Euclid Schools.”
Mrs. Brown and her family have been Euclid residents for more than 27 years, where she has made many strong relationships with neighbors, Euclid Schools families, and community partners. Outside of her professional work, she is a self-proclaimed “Dance Mom” and an enthusiastic supporter of the arts, taking pride in encouraging students to pursue their creative passions.
Mrs. Brown will officially assume the role of Superintendent through a transitional period with Retiring Superintendent Christopher Papouras.
For more information about the Euclid Schools, please visit www.euclidschools.org
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