The Bethel-Tate Board of Education has appointed longtime district administrator Dr. Christen Davis to serve as interim superintendent. Dr. Davis will continue to serve as principal of Bethel-Tate Middle School while taking on the additional leadership responsibilities of interim superintendent.
The Board also approved an agreement with former Superintendent Melissa Kircher to serve as a consultant through January 3. In that role, Kircher will assist with onboarding Dr. Davis and help facilitate a smooth transition in district leadership.
“Dr. Davis brings extensive educational leadership experience and a deep commitment to Bethel-Tate Schools to the interim superintendent role. Now in her 14th year as a principal of Bethel-Tate Middle School, she has helped establish a sustained record of academic growth and student achievement to the school,” Board President Susan Ward said.
During her tenure, Bethel-Tate Middle School has established a strong record of academic growth and student achievement. The school earned an A in student growth for six consecutive years until COVID (2014-2019) on the State Report Card. BTMS has earned 5 stars in student growth for four consecutive years (2023-present) on the current iteration of State Report Card; 3 years as a 5-Star overall building (currently 4.5-Star).
Dr. Davis has also been recognized for her leadership beyond academic achievement. In 2024, she was named Administrator of the Year by the Ohio Music Education Association. Bethel-Tate Middle School’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports team has presented its work at state and national conferences, and the school has been recognized for Making Middle Grades Work for its efforts in supporting student success.
Before joining Bethel-Tate, Dr. Davis served for nine years as assistant principal at Ross Middle School. She began her career in New Richmond Schools, where she spent seven years as a middle school teacher and curriculum facilitator.
Dr. Davis earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Western Kentucky University and both her master’s degree in administration and doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Cincinnati.
“The leadership transition allows Bethel-Tate Schools to move forward with an experienced administrator who knows the district, its students, staff and community,” Mrs. Ward said. “With Mrs. Kircher assisting in the onboarding process over the coming months, the district is focused on providing continuity and a smooth transition while continuing its work on behalf of Bethel-Tate students and families.”