After the announcement was made last week by the Boardman Local School Board that Chris Neifert will become the district’s new superintendent replacing Tim Saxton, the East Palestine City School District issued a press release wishing the new Boardman superintendent that best and extending gratitude for leaving the East Palestine district in better shape that when he took the superintendent’s job there.
      At East Palestine, the press release said that Neifer “has handled many unexpected obstacles as a leader, with grace and stability. His leadership proved invaluable in laying a solid foundation for both students and staff amid the turmoil of events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 train derailment. With him at the helm, new programs and exciting opportunities became available to our students, reflecting a commitment to constant growth and advancement.”
      East Palestine school board president Jen Andre said Neifer’s departure “is a huge loss for the students, staff and community of East Palestine.”
      Neifer began his career at East Palestine as an elementary principal in 2015, then high school principal and was named superintendent at East Palestine in 2018.
      Neifer has lived in Boardman for some 30 years and has a son who attends Boardman High School.