Two local school districts are preparing for leadership changes as both Minerva Local and Brown Local schools announced new superintendents to take over effective August 1, 2025.
The Brown Local Board of Education has selected current Malvern Elementary Principal Danielle Hawk as its next superintendent. Meanwhile, Brown Local’s current Superintendent Mark Scott will return to Minerva Local Schools to take the district’s top job following the retirement of Gary Chaddock.
Danielle Hawk to Lead Brown Local Schools
Hawk brings more than 20 years of experience in education to her new role, including the past six years as principal of Malvern Elementary. Under her leadership, the school recently earned the Ohio Momentum Award from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, recognizing significant gains in academic achievement and early literacy.
Prior to joining Brown Local, Hawk spent 18 years teaching middle school at Minerva Local Schools, where she was recognized for her dedication to student achievement and innovative instructional practices.
“Being chosen for this role is both humbling and an incredible honor,” Hawk said in a statement. “Malvern is a community rich with deep-rooted traditions and unwavering pride in its schools. I am excited to continue leading and supporting the district in this new capacity.”
Hawk holds degrees from the University of Mount Union, Nova Southeastern University, and the American College of Education, and earned her superintendent’s license from Youngstown State University.
She succeeds Superintendent Mark Scott, who has led Brown Local since 2020 and will transition to Minerva Local Schools this summer. Hawk praised Scott’s leadership, stating she looks forward to continuing the district’s upward momentum.
Brown Local Board President Tami Hulit voiced the board’s full support for Hawk’s appointment.
“Danielle has been an outstanding principal, and we are confident she will continue to excel in this new leadership role,” Hulit said. “Her dedication and strong connection with staff and parents have helped create an incredible climate and culture at Malvern Elementary.”
Mark Scott Returns Home to Lead Minerva Local Schools
Scott, a 1997 graduate of Minerva High School, will return to his home district as superintendent following five years of leading Brown Local Schools. He previously served as principal at Minerva Elementary, where he helped raise the school’s academic standing from “Academic Watch” to high-performing, earning multiple state recognitions for student growth and inclusion.
“As a lifelong educator, returning to my home district of Minerva as superintendent is a dream come true,” Scott said. “My children are the fourth generation to graduate from Minerva High School, and I take so much pride in our community and school district.”
During his tenure at Brown Local, Scott guided the district through the COVID-19 pandemic, oversaw a 100% graduation rate at Malvern High School, and led two major grant-funded construction projects: the Malvern Community Learning and Wellness Center and the Malvern Athletic Project, both expected to open later this year.
Minerva Board President Robert Yeagley praised Scott’s credentials and connection to the community.
“His proven leadership at Brown Local, coupled with his deep connection to our community and previous success at Minerva Elementary, make him the ideal choice to lead our district,” Yeagley said. “We are confident his vision and experience will elevate Minerva Local Schools to even greater heights.”
Superintendent Gary Chaddock, who announced his retirement after 33 years in education, also expressed confidence in his successor.
“I want to thank the Minerva community for their support and encouragement over the years,” Chaddock said. “Mark Scott will be a great leader for Minerva Local Schools.”
Scott and his wife, Olivia, have two children: Mackenzie, a teacher and coach, and Anderson, an eighth grader at Minerva Middle School. Olivia serves as the school nurse at Minerva Elementary and coaches track and cross-country for the Lions.
