The Metro Schools Governing Board has appointed Krista Miller-Gray as the district’s Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately, following a confirmation vote by the Board on Friday.
Miller-Gray has been part of Metro Schools since 2009, growing through nearly every role in the building — STEM teacher, dean of students, founding principal of Metro Middle School, high school principal, and most recently Director of Curriculum & Supervision. Across her tenure she has helped shape the early-college, project-based model that has earned Metro Schools national recognition — including its 2025–26 Project Lead The Way Distinguished School designation and Niche's No. 1 ranking for college-prep public high schools in Ohio. She holds a master's in educational administration from The Ohio State University and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Bluffton University. Miller-Gray began her career teaching in Lima City Schools.
"Krista is a visionary leader that has deep experience with Metro Schools,” said Wes Hall, Chair of the Metro Governing Board. "She has taught Metro’s students, managed and led its middle and high schools, and provided district-level leadership that has empowered Metro’s growth.”
"It is the honor of my career to lead a district that has meant so much to me and to so many families," said Miller-Gray. "I am committed to building on the excellence and reputation of Metro Schools. Together, we can open new doors for today’s students and expand our school’s contributions to the Central Ohio community."
Miller-Gray succeeds Meka Pace, who is retiring after 20 years of service to Metro Schools and a 32-year career in education. The Board thanked Pace for her transformative leadership.
Miller-Gray was selected following a national search that drew significant interest from 87 candidates.
A career built at Metro
2009–2014 — STEM Instructor & Dean of Students, Metro Early College High School — taught Physics, Introduction to Engineering Design, Environmental Science, and mathematics; served as project manager for interdisciplinary design challenges; and ran an after-school STEM club
2014–2021 — Founding Principal, Metro Middle School
2021–2024 — Principal, Metro Early College High School
2024–present — Director of Curriculum & Supervision, Metro Schools
Before Metro, Krista began her career teaching mathematics at Lima Senior High Progressive Academy in Lima City Schools, where she designed a ninth-grade orientation, served on the school leadership team, and received the Lima Education Association's Teachers Touching Lives Award.
Education
M.Ed. in Educational Administration — The Ohio State University
B.S. in Mathematics — Bluffton University
How Metro chose its next leader
A national search for Metro's next CEO
87 applications received
Concluded with a confirmation vote by the Metro Governing Board on July 24, 2026