Prior to joining South Euclid Lyndhurst Schools in 2013 as the Director of Pupil Services, Melissa was the Director of Educational Reform at the Ohio Department of Education (ODE).  After 12 years in Garfield Heights City Schools, Melissa was the district’s Director of Pupil Services before relocating to Columbus to work for the ODE. 

 

Melissa intentionally chose her career in education.  She began her career in Columbus, Ohio at the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Division of Domestic Relations and Juvenile Branch.    Her classroom experience of instructing juvenile felony offenders in the areas of social skills development and violence prevention in a Columbus City Schools and Franklin County Juvenile Court Program eventually led to her position in juvenile court administration where she appeared in court daily to make sentencing recommendations for adjudicated youth for community-based services or incarceration. While working in the court system, she determined education is key to the holistic and vocational success of children; she made the decision to change careers.  Holding a Master of Business Administration, and a bachelor’s in criminology with a focus in juvenile crime & delinquency, she successfully made the transition from court leadership to educational leadership by completing the First Ring Leadership Academy at Cleveland State University and securing three (3) licenses in educational leadership in the State of Ohio.  

 

Melissa is relentless in her commitment to do what is right for children academically, socially, and emotionally.  Through her leadership and with a personal commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, the Student Services & Strategic Partnerships team strives to make conditions right for learning through programs and services that promote safe schools and healthy students & families.

Mrs. Bussey currently serves as the district's Director of Equity and Engagement.  In this role, she is responsible for coordinating programs and establishing partnerships designed to enhance developmental and school outcomes for all stakeholders.  As a community liaison, Mrs. Bussey also assists building and district administrators by supporting Title programs and community engagement opportunities to promote academic achievement and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Providing on-going professional development, Mrs. Bussey seeks to educate staff, parents and community members about various topics and programming that support students’ academic and social-emotional growth.

 

Prior to joining the Student Service and Strategic Partnership Team, Mrs. Bussey served as Principal of Rowland Elementary School for 16 years and an assistant principal in the district for three years.  In addition, she was the Head Girls Basketball Coach at Brush HS for three years and taught ELA and Social Studies in a neighboring district for seven years.   

With over 28 years of experience, Mrs. Bussey has an extensive background in Educational Leadership and recognizes the value of supporting the needs of the whole child and building positive relationships with families.  She has a strong commitment to our students, staff and the SEL Community.