After a remarkable career spanning over three decades in the Cleveland City Schools system, Mrs. Lisa Earby, the principal of Candy's Creek Cherokee Elementary School, has announced her retirement following the end of the 2023-2024 school year.
Mrs. Earby's decision to retire comes after serving as principal at Candy's Creek Cherokee Elementary since 2019, following her successful tenure as the principal of Ross Elementary for eight years. Her journey in education began within the Cleveland City Schools system, where she dedicated 31 years of her life to shaping the minds of young learners. Starting as an elementary classroom teacher for 12 years, Mrs. Earby's passion for education and her unwavering commitment to her students propelled her career forward. Along the way, she earned numerous accolades, including Teacher of the Year honors four times, System Level Teacher of the Year twice, and Regional Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2005.
A proud Cleveland native, Mrs. Earby has always remained deeply connected to her community. Her steadfast dedication to Cleveland City Schools speaks volumes about her loyalty and commitment. When asked about her decision to spend her entire career within the district, Mrs. Earby emphasized, "It’s about the great relationships, great leadership, and vision of our district."
Mrs. Earby expressed gratitude for the support she received from the Cleveland City Schools community throughout her career.
“Few people have the privilege of working in their dream job for 31 years, but I have! Retiring feels like closing a cherished chapter of my life filled with memories and gratitude, but it's also the beginning of a new adventure," Earby said. "I've gained hundreds of friends along the way, and I'll always be grateful for the support, laughter, fun, and camaraderie. It has been an absolute honor to serve the students of Cleveland City Schools alongside so many amazing colleagues.”
Reflecting on her tenure, Mrs. Earby shared, "Opening Candy's Creek Cherokee Elementary School in 2019 was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my career. It has been a privilege to witness the growth and success of our students and staff."
One of Mrs. Earby's proudest achievements is her dedication to teaching reading. "It's been rewarding to see my former students succeeding in various roles," she shared. Her commitment to literacy has left an indelible mark on countless lives, shaping future generations for success.
While Mrs. Earby may be retiring from her role as principal, her passion for education remains steadfast. She plans to continue her involvement in the field as a part-time Family Engagement Coordinator at Blythe-Bower Elementary School, ensuring that her impact will endure for years to come.
Cleveland City Schools will immediately begin the process of selecting the next principal of Candy's Creek Cherokee Elementary School. The application process will open on Monday, March 25, 2024
Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Earby on her retirement and thanking her for her extraordinary service to Cleveland City Schools!
