Zalar drops out of superintendent's race

NORWALK — And then there were two. The race for Norwalk City Schools' new superintendent is down to a pair of candidates after Dr. Michael Zalar dropped out Monday. Zalar, the retiring superintendent of the North Olmsted City School District, informed school board president Ralph Ritzenthaler of his decision. "Due to personal reasons, I have decided to withdraw my candidacy from actively seeking the position at this time. I am grateful for the opportunity to have interviewed for the position and appreciate the thoughtful consideration given to my application. It was my honor to have met them (board of education) and I wish them the very best in finding the right person for this important position," Zalar said in a letter to the school board. The remaining two candidates are Norwalk High School principal Brad Cooley and Jude Meyers, superintendent of the Gallia County Local Schools. A community meeting was held Monday at Norwalk High School and each candidate gave a 15-minute presentation followed by 45 minutes of questions. Both then had their second interviews with the board of education. The board is scheduled to meet in regular session at 7:30 tonight but no timetable has been set about the announcement of a new superintendent.