Beloved Retired School Leader Gail Allison Passes Away

Posted Date: 05/20/2024

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Mrs. Gail Allison, a beloved former Orange Schools educator, and Orange High School graduate, who passed away over the weekend. Gail made significant contributions to public education, particularly at Orange, where she served as principal at the former Pepper Pike Elementary School (1980-1984, 1997-1998) and Ballard Brady Middle School (1984-1993).

Gail was a positive influence, mentor, and friend to many within the Orange Schools community. In recognition of her contributions, the main road through campus was named Gail Allison Drive in her honor in 1993. She also served on the Boards of New Directions and the Orange School Foundation and was a two-time inductee into the Orange Alumni and Staff Halls of Fame.

Under her leadership as principal, both Pepper Pike Elementary School and Brady Middle School were identified as "Exemplary Schools” by the Ohio Council for Academic Excellence. During her tenure, the State Department of Education also chose BMS to represent Ohio in the United States Department of Education's School Recognition Program in Washington, DC. She retired in 1993 but returned in 1997 as principal of Pepper Pike Elementary once again.

Gail was inducted into the inaugural Orange High School Alumni Hall of Fame class in 1989 and then the Orange School District's Staff Hall of Fame in 2005. She served as a Board of Trustees member for the Orange School Foundation (1995 to 2004), where she was awarded the 2004 Distinguished Service Award. 

Among her many additional accomplishments, she was a Martha Holden Jennings Administrative Scholar, an Administrative Assessment Trainee, and Team Assessor for the National Association of Secondary School Principals (1987-1989). She also served on the Board of Directors at New Directions (1990-2010), including five years as Board President, and was honored with the organization’s 2002 Community Volunteer Award. Gail was a sought-after guest speaker for various organizations, panels, and functions.

After graduating from OHS in 1954 and earning her Master's Degree from Kent State University, she went on to a very successful 36-year career in education. Gail served in various roles, including elementary school teacher, elementary school supervisor, curriculum director, elementary school principal, middle school principal, and college instructor. 

In retirement, Gail became an award-winning local photographer. She also traveled extensively with her husband and stayed involved in many community activities.

Gail is survived by her husband of 62 years, Tom Allison, along with many close family members and friends.

The family will be holding a Celebration of Life at a later date.