New Rocky River City Schools' top administrator earned superintendent, teaching licenses from AU

When he was ready to pursue his superintendent license, Adham Schirg wanted a pathway that didn’t require a doctorate.

He found that path at Ashland University, earning his school superintendent licensure from AU in 2016 after about a year of hybrid courses.

“Ashland’s program was an excellent fit, offering a practical and accessible option for a working school leader,” said Schirg, who was a principal for the Worthington City Schools in the Columbus area during his time with AU, which eventually helped him become superintendent for another Columbus-area district, Fairbanks Local Schools, in 2019. “The program was both convenient and rigorous – a truly valuable learning experience.”

Schirg said AU also has helped prepare him to move on from Fairbanks to Rocky River City Schools, where it was announced recently that he will become its superintendent for the 2025-26 school year.

“AU helped me refine my educational philosophy, strengthen my focus on evidence-based approaches, and understand the importance of investing in people,” said Schirg, who is now a doctoral candidate at another university. “These foundational principles have shaped me as a leader and prepared me for this role.”

Seeing the outstanding achievements of its students, collaborating with a dedicated staff and working alongside families and community members to build on the district’s rich tradition, strong pride and a culture of excellence is what Schirg said he is most looking forward to with leading Rocky River City Schools.

“The most rewarding part of public education is seeing the success of the students I’ve had the privilege to serve,” Schirg said. “Watching former students from Westerville, Worthington and Fairbanks achieve their goals has been the most fulfilling highlight of my career.”

Before starting his school administrative career at Worthington, Schirg was a middle school social studies teacher for Westerville City Schools, where he also was a varsity head girls soccer coach.

For his teaching license in the early 2000s, Schirg also turned to AU, which were all in-person classes at that time.

“At the time, Ohio State only offered a master’s program for teaching licensure,” Schirg said. “After graduating from OSU, Ashland provided the flexibility I needed as a young professional.”

For both licenses, Schirg said he appreciated AU’s pragmatic approach, particularly in the superintendent program, where he said the coursework was highly practical, taught by experienced practitioners in the field and the discussions and lessons remain relevant to his daily work as a school leader.

So, it’s no surprise that Schirg said he would “absolutely” recommend Ashland University to anyone considering a teaching license or school administrator licensure.

“AU’s programs offer a personalized and practical approach to educational leadership, equipping candidates with skills they can apply immediately at the school or district level,” he said.