Andrew J. Tommelleo has been named as the interim superintendent of the Poland Local School District, effective January 1, 2026, following a Poland Local School District Board of Education meeting on Thursday night. 

Tommelleo previously served as superintendent of Liberty Local School District and interim superintendent of Leetonia Exempted Village Schools.

"It's been a whirlwind over the last few weeks," Tommelleo said. "This is what I do, this is what I love to do."

Tommelleo said that his utmost respect for Poland's leadership played a role in his decision to accept the position. 

"It's always been a community that has high expectations for their students and staff, and to be part of this is just an incredible honor," Tommelleo said.

Earlier in his career, he held multiple roles across Pennsylvania schools as a teacher, guidance counselor, principal and vocational director. He has also served as a Career Tech Consultant for the Ohio Department of Education.

"We put out a nationwide search for people interested in the position," Gregg Riddle, Board of Education president, said.

Riddle stated that many factors played into the board's decision on naming Tommelleo to fill the position. "His desire to reach out to us, which was admirable, his experience, and the recommendations he had from people he had worked with previously were commendable," Riddle said.

Riddle said that there were applications from all over the country to fulfill the role before the announcement was made.

Tommelleo also stated that he will focus on maintaining daily operations, supporting building administrators and ensuring continued progress in curriculum, student services and district priorities.

The Board of Education will begin the search for a permanent superintendent, with the appointment expected before the start of the 2026–2027 school year, the board stated in a news release.