Perkins Schools Hires Lonny Rivera As Next Superintendent

The Perkins Local School District Board of Education on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, hired Dr. Lonny Rivera to be the district’s next superintendent of schools.

Dr. Rivera, who currently serves as the Director of Innovation for North Point Educational Service Center in Sandusky, will officially take the role on August 1, 2024. He will succeed Todd Boggs, who is retiring after six years of service to Perkins Schools. 

The Board of Education conducted a months-long search for the next Superintendent. President of the Board of Education, Eric Lapata, said the district was fortunate enough to receive multiple quality candidates. 

During the evaluation process, “Dr. Rivera’s passion for public education, clear visionary leadership, and dedication to the betterment of people made him the obvious choice. He has spent his entire career in service to students and it shows. We as a Board are very excited for the future.”

Dr. Rivera brings a wealth of experience in public education, starting as a special education teacher for Toledo Public Schools, Principalships with Maumee City Schools and Oregon City Schools, Superintendent of Oregon City Schools, and Interim Superintendent of Public Instruction for the State of Ohio. He is an advocate for the transformative power of public education and is dedicated to working collaboratively to foster an innovative educational environment to ensure every student’s success. 

“Growing up as the son of a migrant worker, I learned the values of hard work, resilience, and the transformative power of education,” Dr. Rivera said. “These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for the role education plays in breaking down barriers and opening doors to opportunity.” Dr. Rivera is truly committed to ensuring all students are supported.

“Throughout my career, I have remained steadfast to building a culture that fosters a love for learning, collaboration, and a passion for helping others discover new pathways,” Dr. Rivera said. “We will strive to provide our students with a world-class education to ensure academic success, nurture character and build resilience."

While students and families may not know Dr. Rivera, they likely know his work. He has been instrumental in the implementation of The Pirate Way. Dr. Rivera worked closely with Mr. Boggs during these efforts. “I witnessed firsthand Todd’s leadership and focus on developing a positive culture. I’m deeply grateful for his unwavering commitment, which will have a lasting impact on the community.” 

“I have full faith and confidence in Dr. Rivera leading Perkins Schools,” Mr. Boggs said. “Dr. Rivera knows Perkins Schools, its staff, and its students. The Board of Education could not have picked a better person to take the reins.”

Mr. Boggs has enjoyed many successes while at Perkins Schools. Among them, he has hired three of the four school buildings’ principals, two athletic directors, and several other administrators and staff members. The district’s reading scores and Ohio Report Card grades have not only improved but have jumped to great heights after laser-focused attention to academic programs and curriculum. Under his watch, the district has implemented improved classroom and building technology. Perkins athletics programs enjoy great success after changes in facilities, coaching, and training programs.

“I love the trajectory that Perkins Local Schools is heading, and the academic, artistic, and athletic performances of our students continue to grow,” said Mr. Boggs. “It’s been an honor to serve Perkins Schools’ students, staff, teachers, and community.” 

"Todd has given so much to our District, always putting the needs of our students first," said Mr. Lapata. "His dedication and passion has left a lasting legacy and the Board is incredibly grateful for his service. We wish him the best."

Mr. Boggs will continue as Superintendent through the end of his current contract on July 31, 2024, and is committed to working with Dr. Rivera to ensure a smooth transition.

The Perkins family will have opportunities to meet Dr. Rivera at events and occasions over the next few months. Stay tuned for more information and invitations to those public events.