West Hill Academies Ohio

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Our Mission

The mission of West Hill Academies is to pioneer the future of education by delivering high-quality, flexible, mastery-based online learning that empowers every Ohio student to develop personal agency, achieve academic excellence, and thrive in college and career.

Through engaging, standards-aligned curriculum and personalized virtual environments, we cultivate critical thinking, real-world application, and individual growth, equipping students with the habits of self-determination and resilience they need to succeed regardless of background. As tuition-free public charter schools management team, we provide innovative tools and resources statewide, preparing the next generation for opportunity and excellence in an ever-changing world.

Leadership Team

Mr. Chris Papouras, a native of Northeast Ohio, began his career as a social studies teacher and wrestling coach. He advanced to assistant principal in 2008, school principal in 2011, and superintendent in 2019. When he started his superintendency, the district faced the threat of state takeover and organizational audits. Today, despite high poverty challenges, Euclid Schools is stable, competitive, and focused on empowering every student’s agency and growth.

With deep expertise in turnaround leadership, academic innovation, financial stewardship, labor relations, and strategic planning, Chris helps superintendents navigate complex political landscapes. Through The West Hill Education Project, he provides targeted consulting to control the narrative, defuse flashpoints, build trust, and maintain student-centered priorities.

Chris holds a B.A. from Miami University and M.Ed. from Cleveland State University, along with multiple principal and superintendent credentials.

Dr. Jennifer Felker is a highly accomplished educational leader with over 30 years of experience in public education, currently serving as Superintendent of the Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve (ESCWR).

A dedicated advocate for high-quality, cost-effective support to school districts, Jennifer has driven improvements in curriculum, assessment, student services, and operational efficiency across Ohio’s education system. Under her leadership, ESCWR has earned repeated recognition as a High-Performing Educational Service Center, helping districts maximize resources so more funding reaches students and classrooms.

Key accomplishments include:

• Strategic Leadership of the ESC of The Western Reserve:
• State-Level Impact as State Associate Superintendent at the Ohio Department of Education
• Regional Merger Leadership:  Led Geauga County ESC (from 2016) and Lake County ESC, then spearheaded the successful 2020 merger creating ESCWR.
• District Expertise
• Commitment to Excellence

With deep expertise in educational leadership, curriculum & instruction, special education, policy, and organizational mergers, Jennifer equips districts to navigate challenges while prioritizing student success and sustainability. She continues to champion innovation and resource optimization at ESCWR.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor’s in Education (K-12 Special Education) from Bowling Green State University, a Master’s in Educational Administration from Cleveland State University (with principal and superintendent licenses), and post-master’s doctoral coursework at Cleveland State.