Dakota Berg Named Principal of Solon High School; Paige Zenovic Named Assistant Principal

Noting their exemplary work in supporting students, the Solon Board of Education has approved the appointment of Dakota Berg as principal and Paige Zenovic as assistant principal of Solon High School. The both will begin on August 1, 2026.

"It takes a special kind of person to step in and lead Solon High School,” said Superintendent Fred Bolden. “There is a presence about Dakota — a confidence, a warmth, a clarity of purpose — that tells you immediately he belongs in this role. From the moment you meet him, you sense that Dakota brings something to this work that simply cannot be taught. His experience across different educational environments has shaped a students-first, data-driven approach that will serve our school community well. As he begins his journey here, I know his instructional leadership and strategic vision position him exceptionally well for this role.

"Dakota brings a relentless focus on student achievement grounded in evidence-based, student-first problem-solving,” Mr Bolden added. “Equally important, he possesses the collaborative instinct and relational intelligence this role demands. He approaches leadership with humility, self-awareness, and a proven ability to build strong partnerships with both his team and the broader community. It’s clear his values in how he leads every day align with our district mission and our community’s values.”

Mr. Berg brings nearly a decade of building-level administrative experience to Solon High School. He currently serves as principal of Rootstown High School, a position he has held since August 2021. In that role, he has led curriculum development and assessment, overseen staff recruitment and evaluation, managed school operations and budgeting, and built partnerships with parents and community organizations to support student achievement.

Prior to Rootstown, Mr. Berg served as assistant principal at Maple Heights High School from 2019-21, where he supervised instructional staff, was a member of district IEP and 504 teams, served on both building and district leadership teams, and worked to create a shared vision for student success. He began his career as a mathematics and science teacher at Milkovich Middle School in the Maple Heights City Schools, where he co-led a mathematics cohort with Stanford University to develop problem-based learning assessments and analyzed district-wide assessment data to inform improvement planning.

Mr. Berg holds a Bachelor of Science in Education, Cum Laude, in Middle Childhood Education (Mathematics and Science) and a Master of Education in Educational Administration, both from Cleveland State University. He holds current Ohio licenses as a K-12 Principal, Superintendent, and Middle Childhood educator, and carries an Urban Principal endorsement.

"Solon High School has built something remarkable, a tradition of excellence that speaks for itself,” Mr. Berg said. “I am honored and energized to be joining this community, and I do not take lightly the responsibility of carrying that legacy forward. What I am most looking forward to is getting to know our staff, our families, and every student as individuals, understanding their unique strengths, aspirations and backgrounds. I'm committed to building the kinds of collaborative relationships where we celebrate the diversity that makes our community strong and where great things happen for every child, every day."

The district is equally excited to welcome Paige Zenovic as assistant principal at Solon High School, Mr. Bolden said. “Paige brings exceptional instructional depth, a proven record of building collaborative cultures, and a genuine commitment to students and staff,” he noted. “Her experience leading school improvement initiatives, coaching teachers and driving data-informed practice makes her exceptionally well prepared for this role. Together, Dakota and Paige bring the talent, energy, and vision that Solon High School deserves."

Ms. Zenovic comes to Solon from Mayfield City Schools, where she has served as a high school English teacher and options liaison, a department chairperson role, since 2017, and as a member of the Mayfield High School instructional leadership team since 2022. Prior to Mayfield, she taught English at Jackson Local Schools from 2013-2017. In her role at Mayfield, Ms. Zenovic has been instrumental in developing and implementing a three-year strategic professional development plan, leading building-wide instructional improvement initiatives, and supporting data-informed decision-making across the school. She has served as a reading specialist on the school's MTSS team, supporting Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions, and has been selected as an Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Ohio Teacher Leader Liaison for 2024-26.

Ms. Zenovic holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Miami University, a Master of Arts in English Composition and Rhetoric from the University of Akron, and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Cincinnati. 

"I'm excited to join the Solon community and work alongside students, staff, and families to continue building a culture of high expectations and meaningful learning,” Ms. Zenovic said. “I look forward to supporting students in reaching their full potential while contributing to the ongoing excellence of Solon High School."

The district is planning meet and greet events for Solon High School students and families so that the school community can get to know Mr. Berg and Ms. Zenovic before the start of the 2026-27 school year. Details about those events will be announced soon.