Riverside Local Schools is pleased to announce the hiring of the District’s next superintendent, Dr. Christopher J. Rateno, effective August 1, 2023.
Dr. Rateno spent eight years as the principal of LaMuth Middle School from 2009 until 2017. He is currently the Director of Student Data Systems and Accountability at Shaker Heights City School District, a position he has held since 2017. Dr. Rateno began his career in 1999 as a High School Science teacher at Nordonia High School before becoming an assistant principal at Crestwood High School in 2006. He also served as an assistant principal at Riverside Campus in 2008.
Dr. Rateno received his Bachelors of Science Degree in Biological Science from John Carroll University, his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Cleveland State University and his Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership from Youngstown State University, where he is also currently a part-time faculty member.
“Dr. Rateno has the passion, energy and leadership skills to serve as the head of our school district,” Riverside Local School District’s Board President Lori Krenisky said. “Riverside has become one of the leading school districts in the area and we are confident that Dr. Rateno can continue to lead us into the future when it comes to executing the District’s strategic goals. The Board is very excited to begin working with Dr. Rateno and we know he will accomplish a lot of great things at Riverside.”
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be returning to the Riverside Local School District where I have spent a large part of my career,” said Dr. Rateno. “Throughout my time at Riverside, I developed many close relationships with administrators, staff, students and families. I am fortunate that I can come back and continue to build and strengthen those relationships while leading the District into the future. I cannot wait to get myself integrated into the community once again and work with the Board, administration, staff, students, parents and community members to continue to make Riverside a great place to live, work and learn.”
The Riverside Local School District Board of Education officially voted to approve the hiring of Dr. Rateno at a Special Meeting on April 13. Dr. Rateno will succeed Dr. James P. Kalis,
who recently announced his retirement, effective August 1, 2023. Dr. Kalis has served as the District’s superintendent since 2007.
