By Lisa Carolin
Members of the Chelsea Board of Education went from attending the graduation of the Class of 2015 on Sunday, May 31 at Chelsea High School to attending a special board meeting also held at the high school.
The purpose of the special meeting was to decide the best process for choosing an interim superintendent, preferably before Andy Ingall, the current superintendent, leaves for his new job in Grand Haven on July 1.
The board has decided not to begin looking for a permanent superintendent until there is time to work out a thorough process with which to do so.
A list of a dozen possible interim candidates provided by Washtenaw Intermediate School District Superintendent Scott Menzel has been whittled down to two, based on geography, availability, and willingness to serve for a year as interim superintendent. The two candidates under consideration are David Killips, former Chelsea Superintendent and Michael Potts, who served as an interim superintendent in the Hillsdale school district.
Board President Steve Olsen along with board members Anne Mann and Tammy Lehman volunteered to be on the ad hoc committee that will talk to the two candidates. The board members will present their findings to the rest of the board at its next meeting, on Monday, June 8.
The criteria the board is looking for in an interim superintendent is someone who has previously been a superintendent, has at least a Master’s Degree, and has certification from the Michigan Department of Education in Superintendency. The board wants someone who is a collaborative leader, who will keep the district on a steady course, who has exceptional people skills, is focused on students, and is a good communicator and not defensive.
“The biggest thing we’re struggling with is the timing,” said Board Member Laurel McDevitt, with regard to Ingall’s imminent departure.
“Even though it’s only for a year, it’s important, especially after this year and the negotiations,” said Board Member Laura Bush referring to the negotiations with the Chelsea Education Association.
The board hopes to choose an interim superintendent at its June 8 meeting, but has scheduled a tentative meeting for Wednesday, June 10, in case additional time is needed.
