BLOOMINGDALE — Jefferson County Joint Vocational School Principal Andy Long is returning to his old stomping grounds to serve as principal at Buckeye Local Jr. High School.

Long, who has led the JVS for the past seven years, submitted his resignation during the May 17 board meeting and had been approved at the Buckeye Local school board one day prior to replace longtime leader Jason Kovalski. He is set to begin Aug. 1 but said the decision was made with a heavy heart.

“I’ve had the privilege of serving at Jefferson County JVS for the past seven years with five in administration–three as principal and two as assistant principal,” he said, noting that he was not seeking to leave but the opportunity became available.

It will be a homecoming in a sense since Long is an alumnus and previously served as a school counselor at BLJHS, plus he will be closer to his children, Kennedy and Camdyn, who are students in the district.

“Returning to Buckeye Local Junior High as principal is a meaningful opportunity–it’s where I grew up, started my career and where my children now attend school,” Long added.

He graduated from BLHS in 2003 and earned a bachelor’s degree in integrated social studies education from Ohio University in 2007, a master’s degree in school counseling from the University of West Alabama in 2017 and a certificate in educational leadership from Salem University in 2020. He was employed at the junior high for two years as a school counselor before heading to the JVS, where he first served as a social studies teacher before joining the administration. Long has many fond memories of his time at the vocational school and hopes to bring a lot of that same energy back to Buckeye Local.

“While I’ll be serving fewer students than the nearly 500 enrolled at the Jefferson County JVS, I’m excited to focus on strengthening academic foundations and introducing career exploration opportunities. Highlights of my time at the Jefferson County JVS include adding the heavy equipment operator program, expanding College Credit Plus offerings and working toward Ohio Technical Center (OTC) accreditation.”

He noted his appreciation for the staff and administration at the JVS and said he was eager to start anew.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the outstanding staff at JVS–their dedication to students and career tech education has made a lasting impact, and they will truly be missed. I also appreciate the continued support of the Board and Dr. Phillipson, and I look forward to this next chapter with gratitude and excitement.”

Both JVS and Buckeye Local leaders spoke highly of Long and commended him for his dedication to the students.

JVS Board President Steve Bezak III said Superintendent Dr. Todd Phillipson and incoming Superintendent Ted Gorman have been discussing the next steps and the position would be posted to find Long’s replacement, while a decision may be rendered at the June 30 meeting. Bezak also wished Long well in his endeavors.

“He was important to everyone here, the faculty, staff and especially the students,” he added. “He’s very well-liked and leaves behind some large shoes to fill. He was the heart of the school.”

Dr. Phillipson concurred with that sentiment.

“Andy is a loss to the school. He showed good leadership as a principal and our enrollment has increased during his time here.”

Meanwhile, Buckeye Local Superintendent Coy Sudvary welcomed Long back into the fold.

“We are excited to welcome back Andy Long to Buckeye Local. Andy is committed to improving the experience for all students in the district and his administrative experience and knowledge in career tech will definitely add to the great things Mr. Kovalski has instituted over the years,” Sudvary concluded. “Having previously worked and currently living in the district, he is aware of our area’s strengths and needs.”