SHS Principal Erin Short to Retire in August 2026

The Solon Board of Education tonight accepted the retirement of Solon High School Principal Erin Short effective August 1, 2026, based on her intent to retire at the conclusion of the 2025-26 school year. Ms. Short's pending retirement will cap a 26-year career in school administration spent entirely at Solon High School. Prior to coming to Solon, she taught English at Rocky River and North Royalton High Schools.

Solon Schools Superintendent Fred Bolden thanked Ms. Short for her years of dedicated service to the Solon High School community.

"Erin has devoted her entire administrative career to Solon High School, serving our students and families with commitment and care," Bolden said. "Her tenure has been marked by significant achievements in academics, athletics and the arts. We are grateful for her 26 years of service."

"Although tonight's action is bittersweet because we do not want to see her go," he added, "we are looking forward to enjoying the milestones left this year with Erin as she unofficially becomes a member of the Comet Class of 2026. She will continue to lead Solon High School through the end of this school year, ensuring a smooth transition for our students and staff."

Comprehensive Search Process to Begin

Mr. Bolden explained that the district will conduct an expansive search to identify and hire the best and most qualified person to be the next principal of Solon High School. To accomplish that goal, the district is engaging Finding Leaders, a national executive search firm that specializes in educational leadership positions.

"We are committed to finding a principal who is deeply student-focused while also committed to results—a leader who connects effectively with students, promotes their academic and personal development, and ensures every student is appropriately challenged," he noted.

"We're looking for someone who fosters a positive school culture, empowers teachers as professionals, uses student data and real-time feedback to drive continuous improvement, and engages genuinely with families and the community," he said. "Most importantly, we need a leader with integrity, vision and the ability to inspire others toward a shared commitment to excellence."

Mr. Bolden emphasized the importance of moving forward with the search process now to assure access to the strongest possible candidate pool.

"The hiring process in education moves into full swing in early spring, and we want to ensure that Solon High School has the visibility it deserves among exceptional candidates this year," he explained. "By beginning this comprehensive search now, we can take the time needed to find the right leader while positioning ourselves to attract top talent during the peak hiring season. This timeline serves the best interests of our students, staff and community."

Reflecting on 26 Years of Service

Ms. Short joined Solon High School as an assistant principal in the 2000-01 school year. She subsequently became associate principal and was named principal in 2010, leading the building to notable accomplishments in both the academic and extracurricular arenas.

"As many of you know, with the recent changes in the state retirement system, at the end of this year I will be eligible for retirement. After much thought and reflection, I have determined the time is right to begin the next chapter of my life," she told the Solon High School staff today.

"It has been an honor to spend my entire administrative career at Solon High School and I am humbled by the work we have done, together, to provide thousands of students with a first-class educational experience," said Short.

"Whatever your title or role, I hope you know that it has been my privilege to do this work with you. But our work is not done!" she said. "Just as I will continue to serve the students, staff and families of Solon High School through July, I know YOU will continue the work for years to come."

Information about the search process and timeline will be shared in the coming weeks. The district expects to have a new principal selected before the end of the fiscal year to allow for a transition period before the 2026-27 school year.