Selena Florence Will Depart Cleveland Schools in September
The Cleveland Metropolitan School District chief academic officer is resigning to pursue an opportunity in her home district.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Administration
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Chief Academic Officer Selena Florence will resign from her position with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District on September 30, 2026. She is departing to pursue an unspecified professional opportunity in her home district.
Why it matters
The departure marks a leadership change within the district's administration following several years of organizational shifts. Megan Traum, a veteran with over two decades of district experience, will take over the role as interim chief academic officer.
Selena Florence, who joined the district in 2023 following stints in Atlanta and Alabama, officially ends her tenure on September 30, 2026. The district is currently preparing for a national search to fill the permanent role.
The players
Selena Florence
She served as the Chief Academic Officer for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and previously worked in Alabama and Atlanta.
Megan Traum
She is an educator with over 20 years of experience with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and will serve as interim chief academic officer.
Cleveland Metropolitan School District
It is the primary public school system serving students in Cleveland, Ohio.
The details
Florence submitted her resignation following a period of significant administrative activity that included budget-cutting moves and calendar changes implemented in 2025. The district has named Megan Traum to serve as the interim chief academic officer while they look for a permanent successor.
Timeline
2023: Selena Florence joined the district administration.
2025: The district implemented budget-cutting moves and calendar changes.
September 30, 2026: Selena Florence departs her position.
Culture Shift
The leadership change follows the 2025 Cleveland Metropolitan School District budget-cutting measures that forced the organization to rethink its operational structure. This transition reflects a broader trend of administrative turnover following periods of major fiscal reorganization in public education.
The change in academic leadership may influence the implementation of the district's current educational strategies and policies. Students and families should monitor official district announcements regarding the upcoming search for a permanent chief academic officer.
The takeaway
Leadership transitions are a natural part of the administrative lifecycle, especially following significant budgetary adjustments. Consistent oversight by veteran staff like Megan Traum is intended to provide stability during the search for new permanent leadership.
What happens next
The permanent replacement for the position will be selected through a national search process following Florence's departure on September 30, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on leadership changes, visit Administration.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Axios.
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