The goal that Romules Durant has for the 22,000 students in Ohio’s Toledo Public Schools is a simple one: to get each of them on a path that will allow them to stay in their hometown, make a living wage, and give back to their community.

He uses a certain role model when he makes his pitch to the students - himself.

In December, Durant will celebrate a decade as the leader of his hometown school district, a decade that has been marked by an aggressive building campaign, five successful levy campaigns, and several key initiatives.

“My aim is to give families the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty - to have students achieve high levels of degrees and certifications without taking on debt,” he says. “I believe all parents want their children to have opportunities they never had.”