West Geauga Local Schools

Board Administration Staff Register Employment

Rich Markwardt was born and raised in Amherst, New York, a suburb of Buffalo. He graduated from Amherst Central High School, earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Houghton College, a Master of Arts Degree in History and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Kent State University.

Dr. Markwardt was a middle school and high school social studies teacher with a concentration in American History prior to entering school administration. He has held a wide array of administrative positions that included Assistant Principal, Curriculum Coordinator, and Principal at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels. Over a twenty-plus year span, he has served as Superintendent of three school districts including Berkshire Local, Beachwood City, and West Geauga Local.

Dr. Markwardt and his wife, Nancy, live on the family farm in Geauga County where they raise registered Shorthorn beef cattle and own several horses for show and recreational use. Their three grown daughters are married. All reside in the greater Cleveland area. The Markwardts’ ten grandchildren are active in a variety of athletic and 4-H activities that keep their parents and grandparents busy.