Bassett hires new principal

Alexander Fleming was recently named principal of Bassett Elementary School.

Alexander Fleming, principal of Midview East Intermediate School in Grafton, was named principal of Bassett Elementary School at the June 16 Board of Education meeting.

In his three years at Midview, Fleming restructured the way instruction is delivered, creating a teaming model and implementing several building-level programs. He also implemented co-teaching special education strategies to improve achievement. Those efforts led to the State of Ohio Special Education Team of the Year award in 2011-2012. In addition he created an outdoor education program for his fifth and sixth graders.

Fleming taught sixth grade for 12 years at Bessie Kinser Elementary in Strongsville prior to his role as Midview principal. He was named Greater Cleveland Council of Teachers of Mathematics Teacher of the Year for 2007 and co-authored “Organization is Kid Possible On the Way to an A.” Fleming became a National Board Certified teacher in 2005.

Fleming earned his undergraduate degree in education from the University of Akron, and a graduate degree in curriculum and instruction from Cleveland State University.

Fleming has family ties to Westlake that date back to the 1930s. He said he would like to create a culture of educational experiences and family togetherness.

“Westlake City Schools is a prominent school district in Ohio and I would like to be a part of helping to make it a prominent model school for the nation to look up to,” he said. “I would like to create a family culture within the school and always have my door open to the community. I would like my staff and students to be seen and heard in the community to share our talents to help the community to be a part of the educational process.”

Superintendent Dr. Daniel J. Keenan Jr. said Fleming has impressive experiences both as a teacher and a building principal.

“He is very personable and has demonstrated a continual pursuit of excellence. Alex earned National Board Certification as a teacher, has been published, and has been honored by numerous education organizations for his student-centered approach,” Keenan said. “We believe he is a great match for Bassett Elementary School.”