Getting to know Fostoria's new superintendent

FOSTORIA – At the most recent Fostoria Board of Education meeting on Monday, Jason Longbrake was formally hired as Fostoria City Schools (FCS) new superintendent. Longbrake is far from a stranger to the community, growing up and becoming a graduate of Fostoria City Schools himself in 1992. Following high school, Longbrake attended The Ohio State University where he earned an undergraduate degree in natural resources: forestry, fishery and wildlife. "After I finished college though, I knew I wanted to teach," said Longbrake. "Which is why I almost immediately went back to school at Bowling Green State University," There, Longbrake earned his undergraduate degree in education with a focus on social studies. After completing his undergrad, Longbrake continued his education at BGSU by earning his master's in education administration. "I started my career in education at Swanton Local Schools and spent four of my 13 years there as a teacher," said Longbrake. Around the same time he was finishing his master's, he and his family moved back to Fostoria, and Longbrake commuted to Swanton daily for the entirety of those 13 years. "I'm definitely excited to be able to get to work in five or 10 minutes as opposed to an hour," he said. Above all else, though, Longbrake is excited to be a part of such an amazing community. "My wife and I love the people, we love the area…" said Longbrake. He continued by sharing that his wife also has a background in education, working previously both for a high school and BGSU. Additionally, he shared how he noticed how amazing the buildings look and how proud he was of the improvements that have been made since his time as a student. As an administrator, he shared that "I probably visit 50-60 gymnasiums and fields a year, and Fostoria's is amazing." When asked if he saw any similarities between Swanton and Fostoria, he shared that "Above all else, anyone in education gets into it for the same reason: to help the kids." "Even from the brief conversations I had with the Administration during the hiring process, I could tell they were proud of what they do," he continued, sharing that the administration and district as a whole operate as a family. Longbrake is contracted from Aug. 1, 2024, until July 31, 2027 and will be paid $130,000 as an annual salary, with a 2% increase each subsequent August, according to his contract. "I am beyond excited to be a part of a community and district that has as much passion and compassion as Fostoria does," said Longbrake.