Gene Kidwell

Gene Kidwell is a 1962 graduate of Otterbein College, who taught General Science and coached football, swimming, and track at Sandusky High School. Kidwell was the Sandusky High School varsity football coach from 1969-1974, when he resigned to accept Sandusky High School’s assistant principal position.

He completed coursework at the University of Dayton, Bowling Green State University, Western Michigan University, and the University of Oklahoma. Kidwell earned his MEd in Secondary Administration from Bowling Green State University in 1974. He served as Dean of students / Assistant Principal at Sandusky High School until 1986, when he was promoted to principal. Kidwell served in that capacity until his retirement in 1994. Kidwell was also a member of the Sandusky Board of Education 1994-98.

After his distinguished teaching and coaching careers, Kidwell went on to serve as Coordinator for Perkins Local Schools in Sandusky for 11 years. He also served as the Director of Curriculum for Kelleys Island School and for Put-In-Bay School. He served in both positions until fully retiring in 2016 after completing 54 years of service as an Ohio public school educator.

In retirement, Kidwell has remained active in the Sandusky Community, directing the YMCA Day Camp and Knothole Baseball League; serving as Sandusky Summer Recreation Director; and serving on countless community boards, including YMCA, American Red Cross, City of Sandusky Recreation, Trinity United Methodist Church, Erie County Juvenile Court System, Sandusky City Schools, Saint Mary Central Catholic Schools, and the Sandusky Maritime Museum, among others. Kidwell serves on the Board of Erie County Community Foundation, Erie County Foundation Council and serves as President of the Michelle Wightman and Karrie Wieber Charitable Foundation. He is also a member of the SHS Athletic Hall of Fame Selection Committee, the SCS Building Better Dreams Bond Levy Committee, and the SCS Business Advisory Committee. He is also Chair of the Administrative Council at Trinity United Methodist Church, and volunteers at Care and Share Food Pantry.

Kidwell has been recognized as Administrator of the Year for Sandusky City Schools, Erie County Chamber of Commerce Administrator of the Year, American Cancer Society Volunteer of the Year, Erie Shore Conference Administrator of the Year, Sandusky Elks Hall of Fame, Miamisburg High School Athletic Hall of Fame, Otterbein O Club Distinguished Alumni Award, Otterbein College Athletic Hall of Fame, and Sandusky High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Most recently, in 2022, Kidwell received a Lifetime Achievement award from Sandusky City Schools and a Volunteer of the Year Award from the City of Sandusky.

Kidwell has been married to Mary Ann since 1963, together they are the parents of three children—

Douglas Eugene (deceased), Amy Ann (deceased), and Beth Ann. Recreationally, Kidwell enjoys spending time with his grandkids, playing golf, boating/fishing, community activities, and being Mary Ann’s “yard boy”.