The Midview Local School District will welcome Denise Abbott as the next principal of Midview High School, pending approval at the June Board of Education meeting. Abbott will succeed Chad Heuser, who will assume the role of district superintendent on August 1.
A proud Midview alumna, Abbott returns to her alma mater with experience in secondary school leadership and a strong background in student support.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Cleveland State University, as well as master’s degrees in special education and educational leadership from Ashland University. In 2025, she earned her Doctor of Education in educational leadership from Youngstown State University.
“We are excited to welcome Denise to Midview High School,” said incoming Superintendent Chad Heuser. “Having served as principal at MHS, I know how important strong leadership, relationships, and school culture are to the success of our students and staff.”
“It was clear throughout the interview process how deeply Denise cares about students and their individual paths to success. She also came highly recommended by educational leaders throughout the area that I greatly respect. As both a Midview alum, community member, and parent of a current Middie, she understands what makes Midview special from multiple perspectives. I am confident she will be a great addition to our high school and the Midview team.”
For the past four years, Abbott has served as an assistant principal at Marion L. Steele High School in the Amherst Exempted Village School District. Prior to that role, she spent more than a decade as an intervention specialist at Eastern Heights Middle School and Lorain Community School. She began her career at Lorain County Community College, where she served for 12 years as a Learning Resource Center staff assistant.
Throughout her career, Abbott has prioritized building strong relationships with students, staff, families, and the communities she serves. She values collaboration and communication and is passionate about creating a positive school environment where both students and staff feel supported and valued.
“It is truly an honor to come home to Midview and serve as principal of the school that played such an important role in my own life,” said Abbott. “Being a Midview Middie is something that stays with you long after graduation, and I am grateful for the opportunity to return in a leadership role. I look forward to working alongside the Midview staff and community to support the continued success of our students.”
Abbott and her husband, Mark, also a Midview graduate, moved back to Grafton in 2021. Together, they have three children: Luke, a third-grade student at Midview West Elementary; Julia, a senior at the University of Mount Union; and Malia, who lives in Virginia with her husband.