Michael Molnar: Decision is Bittersweet

Michael Molnar had a tough time making the decision to leave Beachwood City Schools, he said Thursday.

The principal, who's worked at his post for six years, at Amherst Exempted Village School District earlier this week.

"It's a bittersweet decision. I love Beachwood. Beachwood has become like a family to me," he said.

But the chance to work in the district his children attend school was hard to pass up. "All the things I've learned here about values and education - it's great to be able to take that to the school where my kids go to school."

Molnar, who accepted an administrative position at Amherst Exempted Village Schools in Lorain County, where he lives, will finish out the school year at Hilltop and start at Amherst Aug. 1.

We asked Superintendent Rich Markwardt about Molnar's achievements at Hilltop, and he rattled off a laundry list.

Molnar was instrumental improving the culturally diverse learning environment that exists at Hilltop. He's attentive to kids' needs at all learning levels. He promoted emotional wellness and created an after-school recreational activities program at the school.

He implemented anti-bullying initiatives during his term and helped bolster the school's areas of academic success.

"Mike is a good man. He is very supportive of his students, and he is very supportive of his teachers," said Markwardt.

"It's an excellent education system with great families, involved parents and smart kids," said Molnar. "I'm going to miss it here."

Markwardt said that the Hilltop principal position was posted yesterday and the district already has 25 applicants. They will hire a new principal very quickly, he added.