Head of School Mr. Joel Bahr to Move Into CLHSA Role Next Year; Mr. Thomas Balla Named Next Head of School

Thursday, September 10, 2026

Lutheran West would like to share that Mr. Joel Bahr, Lutheran West Head of School, will begin  a new position with the Cleveland Lutheran High School Association (Lutheran West’s parent organization) starting after this school year in July 2027, and Mr. Thomas Balla, current Assistant Principal, will step into the role of Head of School.

Mr. Bahr says, “Having had the opportunity to work alongside Thomas these past few years, I have seen firsthand his ability to lead, build relationships, and connect with every member of the Lutheran West community. I am confident that Thomas will continue to advance the mission of Lutheran West while faithfully serving our students, families, faculty, and staff. His leadership, character, and commitment to Christian education make him an excellent choice to lead Lutheran West into the future.”

Prior to his current role as Vice Principal, Balla began at Lutheran West in 2017 as an assistant coach before joining full time in 2020 as a History Teacher and Head Baseball Coach. He is respected and well-liked by students, families, and faculty/staff. His impact on Lutheran West has already been immensely positive, and our school community is blessed to benefit from his leadership.

Balla says, “Lutheran West has truly become home, and I have been honored to serve our students and families as part of this incredible community. I am proud of where our school is today and look forward to continuing to serve in the role of Head of School, working alongside our dedicated staff to build on our foundation and continue to elevate Lutheran West for years to come.”

In his new role, Mr. Bahr will serve the CLHSA as its Chief Advancement Officer & Assistant Superintendent, working toward continued development, advancement, sponsorship/partnerships, and alumni relations initiatives at both Lutheran West and its sister school Lutheran East (Cleveland Heights).

CLHSA Superintendent & CEO Chris Steinmann LW’00 comments that “Joel will be a tremendous asset to both of our schools and to the CLHSA in this role. His natural ability to connect with others and his deep commitment to advancing our mission position him to make a meaningful and lasting impact. With his intimate knowledge of the Lutheran West community and his family’s longstanding connection to Lutheran East, we are confident he will serve with insight, dedication, and heart. We look forward to his leadership in this important role.”

Please join us in congratulating Joel Bahr and Thomas Balla on their new forthcoming roles.