When Christopher Woofter arrived in Chagrin Falls in 2011, he sensed immediately that this community was something special. Fifteen years later, as he prepares for retirement, that first impression has been reaffirmed again and again through a career defined by service, stewardship, and a deep belief in education as both an academic and human endeavor.
Woofter joined Chagrin Falls Schools after serving 11 years in the Nordonia School District, where he had experienced firsthand the strain that financial instability can place on even the strongest school cultures. Drawn to Chagrin Falls’ reputation for fiscal responsibility and strong community support, he applied for the principal position at Chagrin Falls Intermediate School and was honored to be selected.
One of his earliest memories still stands out. Driving through the Village on a sunny May afternoon during dismissal, Woofter watched Intermediate School students walk confidently down East Washington Street—respecting traffic laws, greeting one another kindly, and interacting naturally with local businesses and neighbors. “It was clear these students were trusted—and they were living up to that trust,” he recalled. That moment captured what Woofter would come to know as a defining strength of Chagrin Falls: a community united in raising young people with both independence and responsibility.
As principal, Woofter cherished the shared experiences that brought learning to life beyond the classroom. From trips to the Cleveland Museum of Art and sixth-grade retreats at the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center to winter concerts and beloved traditions like Walk to School–Walk to Town Day, he saw students grow not only academically, but socially and emotionally. He was equally inspired by the quieter moments—collaborative teacher meetings, thoughtful problem-solving, and a staff united around student growth.
Service learning held a special place in his heart. Programs such as PAWS for Rescue Village, Pasta for Pennies, and visits to South Franklin Circle helped students understand compassion and community responsibility. “Those moments reminded all of us that education is about developing both minds and hearts,” Woofter said.
After 14 years as a building-level administrator, Woofter transitioned to the role of Director of Operations, overseeing food services, transportation, facilities, maintenance, and custodial services. The move allowed him to support schools systemwide while bringing a principal’s perspective to operational decision-making. He credits the district’s operations teams—and leaders such as Marti Goodwin, James Nace, and Mike Morgan—for their professionalism and unwavering commitment to students.
Among many accomplishments, Woofter is proud of improvements to transportation safety, investments in staff training, long-term facilities planning, and districtwide upgrades such as HVAC modernization and athletic facility enhancements. While often unseen, these foundational improvements ensured safe, welcoming environments where students and staff could thrive.
The most significant project of his career was serving as the district’s point person for the construction of the new Chagrin Falls Intermediate School. Completed on time and under budget, the project carefully preserved the historic 1914 building and 1940 gym and auditorium while creating a modern learning environment for future generations. The ribbon-cutting in August 2019 was a defining moment, made even more meaningful when Woofter toured the building with his parents. His father, who has since passed, called it “a national monument to the perfect school building.”
Beyond his professional roles, Woofter’s connection to Chagrin Falls is also deeply personal. He and his wife live in the Village of Chagrin Falls, where they have raised three kids. They are active in the Chagrin Documentary Film Festival and their local church—experiences that have reinforced their sense of belonging and community.
As he looks ahead to retirement, Woofter plans to slow the pace, spend time with family, and pursue passions such as hiking, baking, renovating houses, and reflecting on what the next chapter may hold. While he has no immediate plans to return to education in a formal role, he remains committed to lifelong learning.
“I don’t have a particular way I hope to be remembered,” Woofter said. “If anything, I hope those I worked alongside felt valued, heard, and supported.”
As Christopher Woofter closes this chapter, Chagrin Falls Schools celebrates a career marked by integrity, humility, and a steadfast belief in the power of community. His legacy lives on in the buildings he helped shape, the systems he strengthened, and—most importantly—the people he supported along the way.