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Chelsea School District Superintendent Announces Retirement

Courtesy photo. Julie Helber, Chelsea superintendent of schools.

By Crystal Hayduk

Dr. Julie Helber, superintendent of the Chelsea School District (CSD), announced her plans to retire effective Aug. 1 at the board of education meeting on May 23.

Helber made the announcement at the close of her review of the last six years in the district as a “highlight” of her career in education.  

She said she has served in education since 1988 when she was hired as an assistant teacher at High Point School, a public school in Ann Arbor run by the Washtenaw Intermediate School District for students with different abilities. Since that first position, she’s been an elementary teacher, curriculum coordinator, middle school and high school administrator, and superintendent of three school districts in Washtenaw County. “I’ve met and worked with the most amazing staff,” said Helber.

She thanked the board for hiring her in 2016 as the first female superintendent in the district, and for their support. “I’m proud of what we’ve been able to do,” she said, referencing the district’s advancements during her tenure.

Helber went on to thank the district’s administrators, teachers, staff, and community for their “tireless efforts on behalf of our Chelsea students.

“The last few years have not been easy and you’ve all shown grit and resiliency throughout and I’m so thankful to you,” she said.

She then announced her intention to retire with the commitment to fulfill her responsibilities to the best of her ability. “To end my career as a Bulldog is a privilege,” she said. “I will always hold Team Chelsea in my heart. Thank you so much.”

Helber’s retirement announcement followed her sad news that her father-in-law, Paul Helber, had passed away on May 21. She spoke lovingly of him as a wonderful father and man, who lived a life of service in education and was “legendary” in athletics, leaving a legacy of influence on thousands of children.

Helber received a lengthy round of applause from the audience and board members present at the meeting.

Board President Jason Eyster thanked Helber for her initiative and innovation during her leadership. The board voted six to zero to accept her retirement; trustee Shawn Quilter was absent.

Board Secretary Laura Bush motioned for approval of Michigan Leadership Institute (MLI) to represent the district in conducting a superintendent search. “We’re sorry to see you go,” she said to Helber. “I know we can find somebody to replace you, but it won’t be easy. It’s been great working with you for the last six years.”

MLI will conduct a search throughout the country, and will assist the board with training on selecting and interviewing candidates. Interview dates will be posted and the community will be invited to attend.  

The full board meeting was recorded and is available to view for one month at https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/911?meeting=505880.

In follow-up with MLI, Dr. Lisa Hagel confirmed that Andy Ingall will be the search consultant for CSD. Ingall is a former Chelsea High School administrator and superintendent who retired in December from his position as superintendent of Grand Haven Area Public Schools.

“We wanted him in Chelsea, and he wanted to be there,” said Hagel. “We care deeply about the success of the district, and his past experience with the district will be beneficial.”

Helber emailed this letter to the community at 8 p.m. on May 23:

Dear Chelsea Staff, Students, Parents and Community

The last six years have been a highlight of my career. When I came to Chelsea in 2016 my husband and I were new to the area and I became a new superintendent. I was honored to be chosen as the first female superintendent to lead the Chelsea School District. After a career in education that spans over thirty years I announced my retirement from the Chelsea School District, effective August 1, 2022 at the Board of Education meeting this evening.  

When I began my tenure in the district, I was welcomed by the board of education, students, staff and families to this wonderful community. I would like to thank all of the Board of Education members who have served during my time as Superintendent of the Chelsea School District. Your unwavering dedication to the families and staff has been admirable and I am so thankful to have had your support. 

I would also like to thank our staff across the district. It has been an honor and privilege working alongside you and I will truly miss you as I move on to future endeavors.  I thank our students; I have been so fortunate to be involved in the lives of so many young people over the course of my career and I have so many fond memories that I will carry with me throughout the next phase in my life. To the families and community members; thank you for embracing me as your superintendent, for welcoming me to Chelsea, and for your friendship. We have no plans to move from the area, and I hope to continue to see you around town. 

I am proud of all that we have been able to accomplish over the past six years. This would have never been possible without the support of the Board of Education, our top-notch staff, outstanding building and district leaders, our students and families and our community. I truly believe we have the best of the best and look forward to watching the district continue to grow and flourish. I am dedicated to finishing out these last few months to the best of my abilities and supporting the district through this transition.  

My husband and I are ready for the next phase in our lives and to celebrate my retirement after a career spent in education throughout Washtenaw County. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. I am so grateful that my educational journey led to the Chelsea School District prior to retirement. Team Chelsea will forever be in my heart.

Sincerely,

Julie D. Helber, Ed.D

Superintendent of the Chelsea School District

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