The Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators (OASSA) has selected Mr. Robert Knisely, principal of Perry Middle School as the 2023-2024 Ohio Principal of the Year!
Mr. Knisely was selected from a field of talented and experienced nominees for the Ohio award. Mr. Knisely has been the principal of Perry Middle School since 2012. He has been an educator for 30 years, 16 of which have been in the role of principal.
Mr. Knisely attended Muskingum College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and earned his Master of Arts Education from Marygrove College. He went on to earn his Administrative Licensure from Ursuline College.
Mr. Knisely was a social studies teacher in both Cuyahoga Heights High School and Kenston Middle School. After serving as a classroom teacher, he moved into administration by serving in Chardon Middle School, Kimpton Middle School, and Perry High School before being selected to lead his present building.
Mr. Knisely has a proven track record of servant leadership and truly believes in finding ways to elevate those around him.
“In the many years that I have known and worked with Bob, I have been impressed by his vision for personalized education, his ability to articulate that vision, and his willingness to support and encourage his staff.” - Amy Stavar
“Bob is not afraid to show he is human - and to show us that it is absolutely okay to not know everything. This makes him approachable, and allows us staff to feel safe under his guidance. If nothing changes, nothing changes, and Bob shows us that we are all capable of personal growth and development by exemplifying it himself. If you are hurting, he hurts with you. If you are celebrating life, he celebrates with you.” - Amy Dasinger
Mr. Knisley has served OASSA as a member since 2005, been involved with several committees throughout the years, and began serving on the Board of Directors in 2015. Congratulations! The Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators is proud to name Mr. Robert Knisely as the 2023-2024 Ohio Principal of the Year!