By Crystal Hayduk
The Chelsea School District (CSD) Board of Education invited Scott Menzel, Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) Superintendent, to their regular meeting on May 18 to advise them about their superintendent search.
Assuming that Grand Haven School District Board of Education’s contract with Superintendent Andy Ingall is approved, CSD will need a top administrator for the 2015-16 school year.
Menzel presented information for discussion about the options of appointing an interim versus a permanent superintendent. “One of the most important roles of a board of education is selecting a superintendent,” said Menzel.
Menzel said that the district has “…missed the peak period for recruiting quality superintendent candidates,” typically January through March. Although it is possible for the board to move ahead with hiring someone to the position permanently, Menzel said that it is probably not the best course of action unless the board already has a person in mind for “a targeted search.”
Each board member (with the exception of Steve Olsen, who was absent) openly expressed his or her opinion that an interim superintendent is the prudent choice, given the time constraints for a July 1 start date.
Menzel said that the board will need to be clear about the expectations for an interim superintendent (who should ideally hold administrator certification), and should communicate with employees and the public regarding the process.
Menzel reported knowledge of three retired superintendents who live locally who could be pursued for the interim position, as well as a former ISD superintendent who has already expressed his availability.
He responded at length to the board’s questions regarding methods to find other suitable candidates. In sum, “cast a wide net, then narrow down the pool and see what’s a good fit for you,” he said.
The search for an interim superintendent is expected to actively begin next week.
In other board news:
Superintendent Ingall congratulated Chelsea High School for being ranked the 18th best public school in Michigan by “U.S. News and World Report.” This ranking places CHS in the top 2 percent of schools in both the state and the nation. “Not only congratulations to the entire high school staff, but congratulations to the entire district on this accomplishment. Kids can’t be successful in high school without a great foundation base – from North, South, and Beach; not to mention other things that go on in the district to create a great, positive, wonderful, welcome learning environment for our kids,” said Ingall.
The board approved updates to the bullying policy and one year contract renewal for school administrators.
The board designated Steve Olsen as Chelsea’s representative on the 2015 electoral body responsible for electing Washtenaw Intermediate School District Board of Education members.
Chelsea High School Principal Mike Kapolka’s written board report said that 72 students were recognized at the cum laude banquet on May 13.On May 12, the following seniors received consortium awards for outstanding performance: Josie Ewald (cosmetology), Kelsey Olberg (zoology), Drew Sujek (culinary arts), and Lexi Ray (automotive).
- Upcoming dates:
- There will be no school on May 25 in honor of Memorial Day.
- Graduation will be May 31 at 2 p.m. at Chelsea High School.
- The next school board meeting will be June 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the board room at the Washington Street Education Center.
