November 8, 2026: The Mentor Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of James Hart, DPT, as its newest board member following a unanimous vote at a special meeting today. This appointment fills the vacancy created by Rose Ioppolo's resignation for the remainder of the term, which ends December 31, 2027. Dr. Hart will be sworn in at the Board's regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, November 10, to begin serving immediately.
After interviewing interested candidates, the Mentor Board of Education selected Dr. Hart for his professional leadership experience, demonstrated commitment to serving the community and involvement with Mentor Public Schools. As a parent of three Mentor students, Dr. Hart brings a firsthand understanding of the district's educational programs, extracurricular opportunities and the importance of maintaining strong connections between schools and families.
"We are excited to welcome Dr. Hart to the Mentor Board of Education," said Board President Maggie Cook. "The relationships he has built through his work with our schools and community demonstrate his commitment to student success. His experience managing complex operations and budgets, along with his perspective as a Mentor parent and community volunteer, will be valuable as we continue making important decisions for our district. We look forward to working with him."
Dr. Hart currently serves as an administrator with University Hospitals' Drusinsky Sports Medicine Institute, where he oversees athletic training partnerships involving more than 65 high schools, colleges and community organizations. A licensed physical therapist and athletic trainer, he has held several leadership positions throughout his career, overseeing healthcare operations, managing budgets and supervising multidisciplinary teams. He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Slippery Rock University and his bachelor's degree in Athletic Training and Exercise Science from Mount Union College.
His connection to Mentor Public Schools includes helping lead the University Hospitals partnership with the district's sports medicine program. He has also served on the district's Business Advisory Council, Sports Medicine Advisory Committee and Superintendent's Guiding Coalition. Through his involvement with the Guiding Coalition, Dr. Hart gained a deeper understanding of the district's Framework for the Future, a strategic plan developed with community input to guide the district's priorities and goals.
"I'm excited and honored to have the opportunity to serve the Mentor community in this important role," said Dr. Hart. "I believe strongly in the importance of providing a high-quality, well-rounded education while being responsible stewards of our community's resources. As a Board member, I want to help ensure that the decisions we make today continue to create meaningful opportunities for students in the years ahead. I look forward to working with my fellow Board members, district leadership, staff and families to support the success of every student."
Dr. Hart and his family have lived in Mentor since 2009. His three children currently attend Mentor High School and Shore Middle School. Beyond his professional work, he has been actively involved in youth athletics, serving as a coach and volunteer leader with NE Ohio Flag Football and Mentor Baseball League. He has also served on the Parish Council at his church.
For more information, please contact Kristen Estes, Director of Community Relations for Mentor Public Schools, at (440)255-4444 or [email protected].
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