Rocco Sciarabba Named Solon Middle School Principal

Solon Schools has announced two key administrative appointments that will strengthen leadership at both middle school buildings. Rocco Sciarabba has been named principal of Solon Middle School, while Joe Ames will serve as assistant principal at Orchard Middle School. Both appointments were approved during today's Solon Board of Education meeting and will be effective August 1.

"These appointments will significantly strengthen our district's administrative team and the building leadership for both schools," said Solon Schools Superintendent Fred Bolden."We work hard to develop strong, effective leaders in our district, and Rocco is exactly the right person to be the next Solon Middle School principal. His years of experience working with middle school age students and his natural ability to connect with students make him an ideal fit for this role. Most importantly, he is a focused, solution-oriented and collaborative leader who is an excellent communicator with students, families and staff. He and Becca Smith will form a dynamic leadership team at Solon Middle School. Both are teachers at heart with deep understanding of curriculum and instruction who always put students first."

"Rocco will be missed at Orchard, but Joe Ames is ready to step into that administrative role as he has been  an integral part of Orchard’s building leadership team for several years,” Mr. Bolden added. “His strong relationships with both teachers and students at Orchard, combined with his administrative preparation, makes him well suited for this new role. Cari Mineard and Joe Ames will be an excellent team."

Rocco Sciarabba - Solon Middle School Principal

Mr. Sciarabba brings extensive middle school leadership experience to his new role as principal of Solon Middle School. He has served as assistant principal for grades 5-6 at Orchard Middle School since August 2014, where he has demonstrated exceptional skill in curriculum implementation, student support and collaborative leadership.

Prior to joining Solon Schools, he served as assistant principal for grades 6-8 at Chardon Middle School from 2012-2014, managing daily operations for more than 750 students and 75 staff members. He began his educational career as a language arts teacher at Chardon Middle School, where he taught grades 6 and 8 from 2008-2012.

Mr. Sciarabba earned his Bachelor of Science in Education from Bowling Green State University in 2006, with Middle Childhood Education concentrations in language arts, reading and social studies. He completed his Master of Education in Educational Administration from Cleveland State University in 2010 and holds Educational Administration licensure for PK-6 and 4-9.

During his tenure at Orchard Middle School, Mr. Sciarabba led the school’s Response to Intervention implementation as well as professional learning communities. He worked with Mrs. Mineard and a staff team on implementing a building-wide mindfulness curriculum for their “Homeroom Huddles,” and managed comprehensive student support programs.

"I am thrilled to be moving across SOM Center Road and joining the SMS school community," said Mr. Sciarabba. "This will be an exciting year at Solon Middle School. I am eager to reconnect with all of the 7th and 8th grade students and their families I know from our time together at Orchard and to build relationships with the SMS staff members. Mrs. Smith and I are dedicated to continuing the work of making our school the best middle school in Ohio and a supportive learning environment for all of our SMS students. I look forward to leading this important work alongside our exceptional Solon Middle School team."

Mr. Sciarabba and his wife Kara, a 2005 Solon High School graduate, live in Twinsburg with their two children.

Joe Ames - Orchard Middle School Assistant Principal

A Solon Comet through and through, Mr. Ames steps into his new administrative role after nearly two decades working in the Solon Schools. He is a 2001 Solon High School graduate who continues a legacy of teaching in the district: His mother, Peg, was a revered Roxbury teacher for 38 years.

He has served as Math Teacher Leader for grades 5-8 at both Orchard Middle School and Solon Middle School since 2020, working with math teachers across multiple grade levels and supporting instructional innovation. He began his career in Solon Schools in 2005 as a 7th grade math and algebra teacher at Solon Middle School, where he served until 2020. Throughout his tenure, he has held leadership roles including department head for 7th grade math, accelerated math, and algebra since 2006, demonstrating consistent commitment to curriculum development and teacher mentorship.

Mr. Ames earned his Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Integrated Mathematics Education from Ohio University in 2005, followed by his Master's in Educational Administration with Administrative License from Ashland University in 2016.

"My entire family understands and is committed to the expectations of the Solon community," said Mr. Ames. "With my new role as assistant principal, I am looking forward to continuing the excellence of Solon City Schools as a leader for staff, students and the community."

Mr. Ames and his wife Whitney, a technology resource teacher at Solon High School, live in Solon with their three children.
Administrative Transition

Both appointments were precipitated by the resignation of former Solon Middle School principal Antoine Campbell, who left for a position in another district. Mr. Sciarabba's promotion to SMS principal created the opening at Orchard Middle School, which Mr. Ames will now fill.

"We are confident that both Rocco and Joe will excel in their new positions," said Superintendent Bolden. "Their proven track records of student-centered leadership and collaborative approach will continue to advance our mission of educational excellence for all Solon students."