Chelsea Superintendent of Schools Andy Ingall has accepted a job as the new top administrator in the Grand Haven Area Public Schools.
Ingall, 44, was one of three finalists for the job and accepted the position on Monday night, May 4. He is expected to begin his new job on July 1.
Ingall sent this email to district staff Monday night: “I know many, if not most, have heard that I have been interviewing to be the superintendent for the Grand Haven Area Public Schools. A bit earlier this evening, their board voted to offer me the job. I have accepted the offer and will begin working to agree to terms of a contract in the coming days.”
He told staff that the Chelsea Board of Education was “notified earlier and will be working on a transitional plan in the coming days and weeks.”
School Board President Steve Olsen said Tuesday morning that there isn’t a firm plan in place yet, but he thinks it’s the consensus of the board that they will hire an interim superintendent because “it’s the tail end of the hiring season.”
Olsen said it’s possible that the interim would be in place for up to a year and the board would then begin a careful and deliberate search for Ingall’s replacement in January or February 2016.
“I feel great for Andy,” he said, adding, “I wish him well.”
Olsen said the school board “has its work cut out for us,” to find his replacement.
It’s expected that the board will take the time necessary to determine what attributes they want to see in a new superintendent as well as any new goals to lead the district into the future.
The Grand Haven Area School district has about 6,200 students and serves a 100-square mile radius. There are eight elementary schools, one intermediate school, one middle school and two high schools according to the district web site.
Ingall told school staff, “On a personal note, Chelsea is a wonderful place to work and to raise a family. I am better, both personally and professionally, having been here for the past 15 years working with the fabulous people that make up this great school district and community. Beth and I are moving forward to achieve both personal and professional aspirations and will always treasure our time and friendships in Chelsea.”
Ingall served as Chelsea’s superintendent for two years and the board was about to discuss his evaluation for his third year at the helm of Chelsea Schools on Monday night.
Ingall put this note out on social media last night, “Honored, humbled, and thrilled to be selected as the next superintendent for the Grand Haven Area Public Schools.”
The Grand Haven Public schools are very lucky!I’m very happy for the Ingalls but sad
to see them leave.