AASA School Administrator Magazine
Proud to be featured in AASA’s School Administrator magazine, highlighting how Columbus City Schools cultivates a professional network that coaches, inspires, and elevates employees.
View articleDr. Corey D. Grubbs
Educational Leader Focused on Strong Systems, Trusted Partnerships, and Student Success
Dr. Corey D. Grubbs is an accomplished educational leader with more than 25 years of experience serving students, educators, and communities. His work is grounded in thoughtful stewardship, honoring the strengths already present within a district while helping organizations move forward with clarity, collaboration, and purpose.
Dr. Grubbs believes every school district carries its own history, values, and sense of identity. He approaches leadership by listening first and taking time to understand what makes a community strong before helping shape what comes next. By honoring local culture while guiding thoughtful progress, he works to ensure that change feels collaborative, steady, and rooted in trust.
Throughout his career, Dr. Grubbs has focused on aligning academic priorities, leadership development, and organizational systems to strengthen student outcomes and build lasting partnerships with families and communities. He believes every student deserves access to high quality learning experiences, and that meaningful progress happens when leaders communicate clearly, build trust, and bring people together around shared goals.
His leadership reflects inquiry, collaboration, and continuous improvement, with a focus on creating aligned systems where all students have access to meaningful opportunities and strong support. Whether strengthening instructional practices, supporting fiscal planning, or developing leadership pipelines, Dr. Grubbs works to help school communities move forward with confidence and sustainability.
Dr. Grubbs approaches leadership with humility, transparency, and deep respect for the communities he serves, believing that lasting success is built through partnership, thoughtful planning, and a shared commitment to students.
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
District Leadership
With more than 25 years of leadership experience in public education, Dr. Corey D. Grubbs brings executive-level expertise in strategic planning, instructional leadership, organizational alignment, and community engagement. Currently serving as Chief of Transformation and Leadership for one of Ohio's largest school districts, he works closely with superintendents, boards of education, and leadership teams to advance student achievement, strengthen systems, and support long-term district success.
His work includes board collaboration, labor relations, fiscal planning, leadership development, and the implementation of districtwide initiatives that improve outcomes for students while honoring the culture and values of each community served.
110+
Schools Led
47,000+
Students Impacted
$100M+
Budget Managed
Professional Experience
His experience reflects a progression from school leadership to system-level leadership, focused on aligning work, supporting leaders, and improving outcomes across schools and districts.
Chief of Transformation and Leadership
2023 - PresentColumbus City Schools
Directing strategic leadership initiatives across 113 schools, ensuring alignment with districtwide academic and operational goals for Ohio's largest school district serving 47,000+ students.
- Oversaw $8M Wallace Grant for principal pipeline development
- Co-led passage of $7.7M levy for Pre-K expansion
- Reduced district absenteeism from 75% to 50%
- Co-led response to $50M budget deficit with full fiscal stabilization
Area Superintendent, Region 2
2019 - 2022Columbus City Schools
Managed and evaluated 19 schools including 11 elementary, 5 middle, and 3 high schools. Directed support for 7,000+ students and 1,100+ staff with $54M budget.
- United 19 schools during pandemic for 6,370 students
- Navigated schools through teacher strike successfully
- Led equity and unconscious bias training initiatives
- Implemented 1:1 Chromebook program for PK-12
Coordinator of Strategic Initiatives (Including Interim HR Leadership Responsibilities)
2018 - 2019Canton City School District
Directed HR operations for 1,500 employees including HRIS, payroll, benefits, and recruitment. Led strategic plan implementation and principal development programs.
- Increased diversity of new hires through targeted recruitment
- Launched Aspiring Principals Cohort advancing educators to leadership
- Directed Principal Leadership Program with OSU Bright Fellows
- Managed certification and licensing for 1,500 employees
Campus Principal
2015 - 2018McKinley Senior High School, Canton
Directed operations for 2,300 students and 320 staff across 2 campuses, managing $14M budget. Led the merger of Timken and McKinley into a single cohesive institution.
- Launched 1:1 iPad initiative for 2,300 students
- Managed $2M+ CTE Department budget
- Established McKinley Men of Honor and Bridge Builders programs
- Trained 180 teachers on technology integration
Principal & Services Academy Principal
2002 - 2015Timken Senior High School, Canton
Led an urban high school and specialized career academy, strengthening academic focus, expanding student opportunities, and stabilizing school culture during a period of transition. Helped position the school community for the successful unification that ultimately formed McKinley Senior High School.
- Built collaborative leadership teams
- Increased family and community engagement
- Developed career-focused curriculum and industry partnerships
- Prepared school for successful consolidation
Education
Credentials
Academic foundation built on rigorous study and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Degrees
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Educational Leadership
Youngstown State University
Master of Science (M.S.)
Educational Administration & Foundations
Illinois State University
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Community Health Education
Illinois State University
Licenses & Certifications
Superintendent's License (K-12)
2024–2029Administrative Principal License (5-12)
2024–2029High School License, Health (7-12)
2024–2029Georgetown University Certificate in Education Finance
2023Professional Affiliations
Ohio Association of Secondary School AdministratorsNational Association of Black School AdministratorsWallace FoundationAspen Institute
Academic Appointments
Adjunct Faculty, Youngstown State University
2022 – PresentLecturer, University of Mount Union
1998 – 2002Presentations & Speaking
Dr. Grubbs has had the opportunity to share his work with educational leaders across the country, focusing on systems leadership, professional learning, and building strong, aligned organizations that improve student outcomes.
AASA National Conference on EducationFebruary 2026
Our 3 Year Journey: Using the Inquiry Cycle to Leverage Professional Learning & Strengthen Student Achievement
Attracting, Retaining, Growing and Rewarding the Best Staff
Council of Great City SchoolsJune 2025
The Five Building Blocks of Trust, How to Utilize Conversation to Move from a Group to a Team
AASA National Conference on EducationMarch 2025
Building Support for Equity-Centered Leaders
Leadership ColumbusFebruary 2025
CCS Equity-Centered Principal Pipeline
AASA National Conference on EducationFebruary 2024
Understanding the Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Education
National Association of Black School Educators (NABSE)November 2023
Why Every School District Should Unblock Artificial Intelligence and Understand Its Impact on Learning
My Leadership Approach
The principles I share with every team I lead, and the four lenses that guide every decision.
The Five Imperatives
01
Growth Mindset
—"Curiosity. Humility. Optimism."
02
Professionalism
—"Your Reputation Matters."
03
Communication
—"Listen as if You Might be Wrong."
04
High Expectations
—"Let Your Work be Your Signature."
05
Relationships
—"Treat Others the Way You Want Your Own Kids Treated."
The Leadership Lenses
Leadership
Lenses
Lenses
Rethink
Question and Explore.
Clarity
Simple. Two-Way. Consistent.
Intentionality
Get Results on Purpose.
Upstream Leadership
System Leader.
Leadership
Lenses
Lenses
Rethink
Question and Explore.
Clarity
Simple. Two-Way. Consistent.
Intentionality
Get Results on Purpose.
Upstream Leadership
System Leader.
Rethink
Question and Explore.
Clarity
Simple. Two-Way. Consistent.
Intentionality
Get Results on Purpose.
Upstream Leadership
System Leader.
Continuous cycle
In the Field
Leadership in Action
Highlights from conferences, summits, and community engagement across the country.
National Principal Supervisor Academy
Honored to partner and present with the Center for Educational Leadership at the National Principal Supervisor Academy, sharing best practices with district leaders across the country.
View on LinkedIn
Council of the Great City Schools Cohort
Truly honored to be selected for the Council of Great City Schools 2025 Cohort.
View article
NABSE Conference, New Orleans
Honored to have presented at the NABSE conference in New Orleans, exploring the advantages of AI integration in education in urban districts.
View on LinkedIn
AI in Education Panel, San Diego
Grateful for the opportunity to present alongside amazing colleagues in San Diego, discussing the valuable impact of AI in education.
View on LinkedIn
Midwest Black Male Summit, Cincinnati
Delighted to have been a part of the Midwest Black Male Summit in Cincinnati, collaborating with educators dedicated to uplifting Black males nationwide.
View on LinkedIn
OABSE Conference, Columbus
Thrilled to have participated in the OABSE conference in Columbus, surrounded by the dedicated principals of Columbus City Schools.
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Parent Appreciation, Woodcrest Elementary
Celebrating the amazing parents who play such a crucial role in the lives of students at Woodcrest Elementary.
View on LinkedInCommunity & Endorsements
Voices from the Community
Moments with students, colleagues, and the communities we serve, and the words of those who have witnessed Dr. Grubbs' leadership firsthand.
Dr. Grubbs celebrating Principal Appreciation Month, 2023
Celebrating School Principals' Day with Columbus City Schools leaders
"He leads with both head and heart, combining strategic precision with relational trust. He does not shy away from difficult decisions; rather, he approaches them with transparency, integrity, and a steadfast focus on long-term student success."
Angela Chapman, Ed.D.
Superintendent/CEO
Columbus City Schools
"He is a leader who builds clarity without sacrificing trust, advances accountability while honoring professional expertise, and consistently centers decisions on what is best for students."
Cheryl M. Jones
Principal
East Linden Elementary School, Columbus City Schools
"Dr. Grubbs is a transformational leader who consistently places students at the center of decision-making while building strong systems that support educators."
Keith Harris, Ph.D.
Area Superintendent, Region 4
Columbus City Schools
"Dr. Grubbs motivated and inspired me to work hard for the students I serve and to see and value myself as an educator. His presence commands authority, elevating the expectations of everyone in the room."
Sara E. Myers
5th Grade Teacher
Eakin Elementary School, Columbus City Schools
"He leads with vision, discipline, and humility, and he consistently demonstrates the capacity to guide complex organizations toward meaningful and lasting improvement."
Kimberly A. Rodriguez, M.Ed.
Principal, Whetstone High School
Columbus City Schools
"Dr. Grubbs has consistently demonstrated superintendent-level excellence in systems leadership, instructional coherence, and cross-functional collaboration."
Scott D. Nelson
Area Superintendent, Region 1
Columbus City Schools
"He has shown that leadership is about relationships, presence, and uplifting others. Dr. Grubbs not only mentors students, but he celebrates them."
Lorrie Cosby
Community Member & Family Advocate
Grandmother of Fairmoor Elementary Student
"Dr. Grubbs is a man of high moral integrity. Building a team focused on common goals while celebrating traditions and strengths is part of his DNA and will be present in all aspects of his leadership."
Kim Redmond
Retired Superintendent
Portage Lakes Career Center
"Dr. Grubbs has proven himself to be a leader capable of encouraging the continuous improvement of an organization. He is an excellent communicator who can foster lasting change in the mindsets of those he supervises."
Dave Chamberlain
Principal Coach
Columbus City Schools
"Dr. Grubbs took the time to build capacity with me to teach me the intricacies of being an educational leader, which goes beyond data points. It was his capacity to build relationships that allowed me to truly be reflective in my practices."
Roderick V. Watson Jr.
Assistant Principal, Westerville High School
Westerville City Schools
"Dr. Grubbs brings transparency, depth, and authenticity to his leadership work. During the AASA Principal Supervisor training, his willingness to share both successes and challenges made the learning real and grounded, strengthening my thinking about how aligned instructional leadership can accelerate systemwide improvement."
Dr. Takiwi Milton-Babalola
Chief Academic Officer
Danville Public Schools, Virginia
Get in Touch
For professional inquiries, speaking engagements, or district collaboration opportunities.
Contact Info
Email
grubbscd3@gmail.comResponse Time
Typically within 48 hours