Avon Lake High School welcomes Mr. May as new leader

As we embark upon a new school year, we welcome a new beginning. With that, we welcome a new principal at Avon Lake High School, Mr. Michael May.

Radiating positivity, May is not only eager to begin the school year, but also to assume the role of principal, a position to which he had been longing to return. Currently residing in his hometown of Amherst, May is happily married with two children, Ethan (8) and Bryn (6).

With over 10 years of administrative experience, May has worked a number of positions within the educational field, granting him a wealth of knowledge of the institution. He first attended York College of Pennsylvania, where he was a student athlete and earned his Bachelor’s Degree.

He proceeded to complete graduate school at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey, going on to also receive his Masters in Education at Wilmington University in Delaware.

May began his career as a social studies teacher at a high school in New Jersey, then went on to work as both an assistant principal and head principal of various schools, additionally working as a boy’s Varsity Basketball Coach.

Following these positions, May transitioned from working in the building level, to working in the central office of a school district in the human resources department. However, working within the central office lacked a certain level of connection, an element of education that May had grown to appreciate over the years.

“I missed all of this. This being with students, teachers, and staff,” He said. This transition revealed to May that the building level is where he hopes to remain for the rest of his career. When asked about his passion for the position, May described 3 cardinal aspects: First, he says, “Relationship building,” He cherishes the practice of getting to know each student, teacher, staff member and parent. Then, as he describes, it is “Watching and being an important, positive aspect of a student’s growth.” Lastly, serving as a role model for the students, as well as ensuring he will be there for them to depend on, even after they graduate.

In many regards, May said he views the job as an opportunity to develop lifelong relationships.

Moreover, having grown up in Amherst, Ohio, playing against Avon Lake in sports, May has always felt a sense of familiarity with the city.

“I’ve known of Avon Lake since I was a kid,” May said. It was this familiarity as well as Avon Lake’s positive reputation as a school system that attracted Michael, and encouraged him to fulfill his desire of returning to work as a principal.

Upon arriving at the school, May has observed a great deal of teamwork amongst staff members, easing his transition, and immediately making him feel a part of the community. He feels ready to begin the school year, open to whatever may lie ahead. “It’s going to be a year of change,” He said.

Recognizing this matter of fact, he explains the importance of a controlled response. “You can’t control the event, but you can control how you respond to the event,” With the knowledge of our ever changing state as a nation, May feels the most important factors of a strong year are that of planning, communication, and collaboration.

Furthermore, when it comes to his principalship, May places great importance on visibility and comfortability. In past years, he has enjoyed attending events and getting to know the community on a personal level.

Above all, May is enthusiastic about this new year. He is open to new ideas and ready to engage. His positive attitude about the school year and his wealth of experience as an educational leader make him a great addition to Avon Lake High School, and we welcome him with great anticipation for the year.