At its April board meeting, the Fostoria City Schools Board of Education officially approved the hiring of Jodi Gaietto as the new principal of Fostoria Junior/Senior High School for the upcoming school year. We are very excited to have Mrs. Gaietto join our team at Fostoria City Schools.
To help the community get to know the new principal, I recently had the opportunity to ask Mrs. Gaietto some questions. Below are the questions I asked and her responses, offering insight into her background, vision, and excitement about joining the FCS family.
What inspired you to pursue a career in education?
I was inspired to pursue a career in education for several reasons, but one of the most influential was my mother—she was a dedicated first-grade teacher, and growing up, I saw firsthand the positive impact she had on her students’ lives. Her passion for teaching and the relationships she built in the classroom left a lasting impression on me. I’ve always had a strong desire to help others, and education felt like a natural path where I could make a meaningful difference. The idea of guiding and supporting students and staff as they learn and grow is deeply fulfilling to me, and I’m motivated by the opportunity to be a source of encouragement and inspiration in their lives.
Can you share a bit about your background and previous leadership roles?
With over 30 years of experience in education, I have served in a variety of leadership roles, including high school teacher, coach, student organization advisor, school counselor, and administrator. My career has given me the opportunity to work in diverse educational settings—rural, suburban, and two different career centers—allowing me to develop a broad perspective and adaptable leadership style. Throughout each role, I have remained committed to supporting student success, fostering strong school communities, and leading with integrity and purpose.
Are there any specific programs or initiatives you plan to prioritize?
As I step into the role of junior/senior high school principal, my first and foremost priority will be to develop strong, trusting relationships with students, staff, families, and the broader community. I believe that a positive and inclusive school culture begins with meaningful connections—when people feel seen, heard, and valued, they are empowered to thrive. Creating a supportive environment where students are excited to learn and staff feel respected and inspired to teach is at the core of my leadership approach. I am committed to being present, approachable, and actively engaged in all aspects of school life to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose.
In addition to cultivating relationships and school culture, I will prioritize aligning our work with the Fostoria Schools One Plan. This includes maintaining high expectations for academic achievement, supporting the social-emotional well-being of all students, and strengthening partnerships between school and community. I aim to build on the district’s commitment to equity, innovation, and continuous improvement by promoting professional learning, encouraging student voice, and ensuring that every decision reflects what is best for kids.
How do you plan to engage with students, parents, and staff?
One of my top priorities as a new principal will be to build strong, authentic relationships with students by being consistently visible and approachable. I plan to greet students during arrival, in the hallways, and at lunch, creating informal opportunities for connection and trust-building.
Attending extracurricular activities will also allow me to show support for students beyond the classroom and celebrate their diverse interests and talents. To ensure student voices are heard, I will host regular student forums or “Principal Roundtables,” where students can share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas in a relaxed setting. I also believe in recognizing and celebrating student achievements—whether academic, athletic, or personal—through announcements, newsletters, and social media. Additionally, I will visit classrooms regularly to engage with students in their learning environment, demonstrating my investment in their education and helping to foster a positive, student-centered school culture.
Building strong relationships with staff is essential to creating a collaborative and supportive school environment. Early in my transition, I will prioritize listening and learning by meeting individually or in small groups with teachers, classified staff, and department leaders to understand their perspectives, strengths, and challenges. I will maintain an open-door policy and make myself visible throughout the building, regularly visiting classrooms and participating in team or department meetings. Recognizing and celebrating staff efforts will also be key—whether through public praise, small gestures of appreciation, or highlighting success stories in school communications. I intend to foster a culture of shared leadership by involving staff in decision-making processes and aligning our work with the goals of the Fostoria Schools Strategic Plan, ensuring we move forward together with clarity and purpose.
Engaging families as partners in education will be a top priority as I step into this new role. I will begin by hosting events such as “Meet the Principal” nights or informal coffee hours to introduce myself and build relationships in a welcoming, accessible way. Open and consistent communication will be maintained through newsletters, social media updates, and timely responses to emails or calls. I believe parents should feel informed, heard, and involved in their child’s education, and I will encourage their input through parent advisory groups, surveys, and ongoing conversations. Attending community events and working closely with parent organizations will help strengthen the connection between home and school, building trust and support around our shared goal of student success.
What are you most excited about in this new role?
After three decades in educational leadership, what excites me most about stepping into a new role as junior/senior high principal is the opportunity to bring a fresh perspective to a school community while continuing to grow both personally and professionally. Every district has its own unique strengths, culture, and challenges, and I am energized by the chance to listen, learn, and contribute in meaningful ways. The prospect of building new relationships with students, staff, families, and community members is genuinely motivating. Being part of a new team that is committed to excellence and aligned with a strong strategic vision—such as Fostoria’s—reinvigorates my passion for leadership, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
From the very beginning, I have felt genuinely welcomed by the staff and school personnel, which has only deepened my enthusiasm for this new chapter. The warmth, professionalism, and commitment I’ve experienced from teachers, support staff, and district leaders speak volumes about the strength of this school community. It’s clear that there is a shared dedication to student success and a collaborative spirit that values every individual’s contribution. Feeling supported and embraced so early on reinforces my belief that this is the right place to continue my work as an educational leader and to help build on the positive momentum already in place.
What do you hope your legacy will be at this school?
As I look ahead, the legacy I hope to leave at Fostoria Junior/Senior High School is one centered on fostering a culture of excellence, equity, and collaboration. I want to be remembered for creating an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their fullest potential—academically, socially, and emotionally. By building strong relationships, encouraging student voice, and promoting a growth mindset among both staff and students, I hope to help cultivate a school community that thrives on mutual respect and continuous improvement. Ultimately, my goal is to leave a lasting impact where the commitment to student success remains unwavering, and where future generations of students, families, and educators continue to feel inspired and connected to the Fostoria school spirit.
Welcome, Mrs. Gaietto, we are excited to have you!