Michigan Association of School Administrators 1001 Centennial Way Suite 300 Lansing, MI 48917-9279 (517) 327-5910 FAX: (517) 327-0779
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Sun, 25 Jul 2010 22:30:00 -0500
The French call it a fait accompli. The English equivalent term is "done deal." In Benton Harbor just call it business as usual, now that the school board majority has finalized the dismissal of former Superintendent Carole Schmidt and hired replacement Leonard Seawood with no forewarning.In any language the whole thing stinks.Seawood, former director of the Western Michigan University-Southwest c
Editorial: A more rigorous high school curriculum is paying off
Sun, 25 Jul 2010 10:26:00 -0500
Michigan's tough, new high school curriculum is passing the test. Scores for state high school students on the Michigan Merit Examination, which includes the ACT, climbed by half a percentage point, meaning students will enter college better prepared. The results, released Thursday by the Michigan Department of Education, show high school students have improved their ACT scores for the third yea
As sun sets, so does the hope for survivors
Sun, 25 Jul 2010 02:54:00 -0500
LUDINGTON -- Lindsey Dubey stood on a sand dune looking out at Lake Michigan early Saturday afternoon as thick gray clouds cast a gloomy mood over this tourist town. Out on the horizon, out of sight, about 20 rescue boats crisscrossed Lake Michigan, trying to find any survivors from an airplane that crashed Friday morning, 5 to 8 miles north-northwest of Ludington. Dubey, 22, grew up in Alma and
State's first virtual charter school, backed by GVSU, ready for applicants
Sat, 24 Jul 2010 12:26:00 -0500
Rick Wilson | The Grand Rapids Press Follow Share this story Story tools GRAND RAPIDS -- The state's first virtual charter school now has a home and is seeking applications for a student lottery in hopes of opening in September. The Michigan Virtual Charter Academy received a special-use permit Thursday from the city
DPS board: We can fix schools
During a two-day retreat next month, Detroit Public Schools board members will begin laying out a plan to bring the district back under their control. Committees will be assigned to establish a search for a new superintendent, bring about financial stability and train new school leaders and teachers, board president Anthony Adams said Friday. Adams also lashed out at those campaigning to put to
Board hires new superintendent
Sat, 24 Jul 2010 09:38:00 -0500
BENTON HARBOR - At the same meeting that the Benton Harbor school board formally cut ties with former Superintendent Carole Schmidt, it suspended board policies and hired a new superintendent to replace her.Leonard Seawood, a Benton Harbor graduate and former director of Western Michigan University-Southwest, was hired as the district's new leader during a special meeting Thursday."What I can
Family important to new superintendent
Fri, 23 Jul 2010 21:42:00 -0500
 Dr. Timothy Jalkanen, Fenton’s new school superintendent, first encountered International Baccalaureate (IB) when he accepted a teaching position in Kuwait. He participated in an interview for the position, as a summer student at Central Michigan University (CMU), for practice at interviewing. “They offered me the job,” Jalkanen said. The CMU grad accepted, a
Cunningham named O-E superintendent
ELSIE — The Ovid-Elsie Board of Education conducted its second finalist interview Thursday night and concluded it didn’t need to look beyond its own staff in unanimously selecting Leonard Elementary Principal Dr. Ryan Cunningham to replace the retiring Dr. Wayne Petroelje. The decision had to be made, school board President Laura Braun said, “And it’s not an easy one by any means.”
WCS superintendent to take the stage during Sterlingfest
Fri, 23 Jul 2010 02:06:00 -0500
By LANA MINI Every morning Robert Livernois puts on a suit and tie, kisses his kids goodbye and heads to his job as superintendent of Warren Consolidated Schools.Budgets, MEAP scores and bond proposals are part of his daily world.By night, however, life changes.Sure, many people with careers also have outside interests. Liv
State releases Michigan Merit Exam results
Khalil AlHajal | The Flint Journal Follow Share this story Story tools GENESEE COUNTY — The Michigan Department of Education released results of the 2010 Michigan Merit Exam today. Flint Community Schools showed some improvement compared to last year in the percentage of students scoring at proficient or advanced l
Wooden named finalist for East Jordan post
Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:06:00 -0500
OWOSSO — An Owosso Public Schools administrator has been named as a finalist for the superintendent position at a northern Michigan school district. Susan Wooden, director of curriculum for Owosso Public Schools, has been named as one of two finalists for the top position at East Jordan Public Schools. Craig Carmoney, a middle school princ
Fulton hires superintendent
Thu, 22 Jul 2010 21:42:00 -0500
Fulton school officials didn’t have to look far to find the district’s new superintendent.The Board of Education has agreed to hire Fulton High School-Middle School principal Daymond Grifka to fill the post.He will replace current school chief Chuck Mungall, who is retiring July 31, after 25 years with the district, the last three as superintendent.The board received 25 applications fo
Database: 2010 Michigan Merit Exam and ACT Scores
Search this database to find test results for Michigan high school students on the Michigan Merit Exam (MME) and ACT. The tests were taken by 11th graders in Spring 2010. Select a district name and leave the school name field blank to list all schools within a district. You may also search by individual school by typing part or all of the school's name in the school name field. Click here t
Boyne City, narrowing superintendent search
Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:02:00 -0500
BOYNE CITY — In an effort to fill the superintendent vacancy at Boyne City Public Schools, the board of education interviewed the final two candidates on Wednesday evening, bringing them one step closer to a final decision. In a hot, stuffy board room at Boyne City's Early Childhood Education Building, seven board members grilled superintendent candidates Susan Wooden and Peter Moss with question
Expanding Godwin Heights, Wyoming partnership questioned after districts' dual superintendent interviews for another job
Thu, 22 Jul 2010 12:50:00 -0500
Grand Rapids Press File PhotoJon Felske WYOMING -- A dual superintendent's pursuit of another job seems to affirm one school district's hesitation about further collaboration, although a leader in the other district says it's no big deal. Jon Felske, one of three finalists to lead the Genesee Intermediate School District, was not selected for t
H-PT contracts with firm to hire Simila, Luoma
Thu, 22 Jul 2010 12:14:00 -0500
HOUGHTON - A month and a half after they announced their retirement, two former Houghton-Portage Township Schools principals are back in their old jobs. The board approved contracting with Contract Ed Services to provide the services of High School Principal Kass Simila and Middle School Principal Jim Luoma. "We contracted with a private company and hired our principals, and we're fortunate enou
School chief’s goal is to get more students to go to college
Thu, 22 Jul 2010 07:07:00 -0500
Three new programs are under way to encourage more Pontiac students to go on to college after graduation.University of Michigan, United Way of Southeastern Michigan and POH Regional Medical Center have pledged their services in the effort. Bringing about such partnerships are among the goals on which Superintendent Thomas Maridada II and his team will be evaluated.The partnership programs will wor
New school pension reforms are worthless
Thu, 22 Jul 2010 05:03:00 -0500
Michigan lawmakers have been patting themselves on the back for passing a bill requiring school employees to contribute 3 percent more toward their retirement benefits, believing the measure will save taxpayers $300 million to $400 million a year. But whether taxpayers really see these savings is another question. The school employee retirement system currently has more demands being made on it
Saline school district 'unofficial winner' in Pepsi Refresh grant program
Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:50:00 -0500
By Steven Howard, Heritage Newspapers Saline Area Schools has been notified it is considered an "unofficial winner" in the Pepsi Refresh grant program, which will garner the district $25,000 toward its science and technology initiative Project Lead the Way.Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services Steve L
Blaszak to be offered superintendent contract at Lake City
LAKE CITY - By Thursday, Lake City Area Schools should have its new superintendent under contract. The board voted on Monday to hire Kimberly Blaszak as the district’s next superintendent after final interviews for the position at Lake City High School Auditorium. After two nights of interviews July 12 and 13, the board narrowed the candidate pool to two. The final two candidates were B
Lisa Hagel chosen to be new superintendent of Genesee Intermediate School District
Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:38:00 -0500
Khalil AlHajal | The Flint Journal Follow Share this story Story tools FLINT, Michigan — The Genesee Intermediate School District Board of Education today unanimously decided to hire Lisa Hagel as its new superintendent. Hagel is currently the superintendent of Mt. Morris Consolidated Schools.
Buchanan selects new superintendent
Wed, 21 Jul 2010 03:18:00 -0500
By AARON MUELLER Niles Daily Star BUCHANAN — Buchanan school board president Tom Gordon was a thankful man Tuesday afternoon after the board unanimously selected Andrea van der Laan as the district’s new superintendent. The board will enter into contract negotiations with van der Laan this week before setting a start date. The decision came after representatives from the school board
Kent ISD districts move to share accounting, technology services
Tue, 20 Jul 2010 11:38:00 -0500
Jeff Cunningham | Advance Newspapers Follow Share this story Story tools While it may be seen as sharing more “back-of-the-house services that few see” between school districts in Kent County as budgets have gotten tighter, those back-of-the-house services are getting closer to the front, said Forrest Hills Su
Cunningham, Smith to compete for O-E superintendent position
Sun, 18 Jul 2010 12:14:00 -0500
ELSIE — It was an extremely tough decision, and at times emotional for some, but the Ovid-Elsie Board of Education narrowed the candidates for its next superintendent to two Friday night. Dr. Ryan Cunningham and Keith Smith were chosen to move on to the final interview for the position. “I think they are a match, a better fit,” said Laura Br
DeWitt superintendent announces retirement
DeWITT - The school district is searching for a new top administrator after Superintendent Tina Templin decided to step down last week. Templin, who has served as curriculum director, assistant superintendent and superintendent in DeWitt over the past 11 years, announced her retirement in a statement released on July 14. "As I prepare for new opportunities in retirement, I leave knowi
Wayne County news briefs: Assistant schools leader named in Northville
A Plymouth man has been named assistant superintendent for finance and operations for Northville Public Schools. Michael Zopf was selected unanimously at the June 29 board meeting. The position combines that of the former assistant superintendent for administrative services, Dave Bolitho, and the former director of business and finance, John Street, who both retired July 1. The move is expected t
Law outlaws retirees' 'double-dipping'
A new state law aims to relieve the public school retirement system and prevent employees from "double-dipping," but it may block districts from saving money and tapping the experience of retired educators. Local districts in a pinch have hired employees through for-profit contractors with considerable savings, but the new law will discourage retired employees from returning to their f
Reeths-Puffer school board appoints interim superintendent
Sat, 17 Jul 2010 12:26:00 -0500
Lynn Moore | The Muskegon Chronicle Follow Share this story Story tools Steve EdwardsREETHS-PUFFER -- The Reeths-Puffer school board has appointed an interim superintendent while it continues to pursue a shared superintendent arrangement with another school district. Steve Edwards, Reeths-Puffer's assistant superintenden
Fulton has six finalists for superintendent
After receiving 25 applications for the superintendent post, the Fulton Board of Education narrowed the field to six candidates for interviews.The board spoke with:Daymond Grifka, Fulton High School-Middle School principal.Dan Cwayna, Muskegon Mona Shores Elementary School principal.Larry Cowger, Fowlerville High School principal.Bill Kearney, Johannesburg-Lewiston High School principal.Nate Parke
Are public schools underfunded? A Mackinac Center report says claim is misleading
Dave Murray | The Grand Rapids Press Follow Share this story Story tools Are Michigan’s public schools underfunded? A Mackinac Center director says the claim “is unsubstantiated and misleading.” Michael Van Beek, the think tank’s education policy director, writes that the $20 billion the state
Ithaca school chief glad to be back in area
Nathan Bootz is glad "to be back in civilization."Although the new superintendent at Ithaca Public Schools said it jokingly, he is happy to return to mid-Michigan after a four-year stint as superintendent at Rudyard in the Upper Peninsula.Prior to his time in the U.P., Bootz was principal at Shepherd High School from 2002 to 2006."When I was at Shepherd one of our main rivals was It
B. Springs board reviews virtual school
Fri, 16 Jul 2010 23:42:00 -0500
BERRIEN SPRINGS - Berrien Springs school board members got a sneak peek Thursday of the district's new virtual learning academy.The 7,400-square-foot building is across the street from the middle school and has been under construction since April. It is scheduled to be open for the start of school in September.Superintendent Jim Bermingham led the tour. The building will have two wings and a centr
Supreme Court: School reporting requirements violate Constitution
Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:38:00 -0500
State officials violated the Michigan Constitution by requiring schools to maintain voluminous amounts of education-related data without paying costs associated with the requirement.In a 4-3 decision this week, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled the state violated a part of the Headlee Amendment that requires the state to pay for new or upgraded programs it mandates.The decision resolves a decade-ol
Drury selected as O-G interim superintendent
By TRACI L. WEISENBACH Tribune Staff WriterOWENDALE — A familiar face in Huron County education attended the special Owendale-Gagetown Area Schools Board of Education meeting Wednesday night, and he will serve as the district’s interim superintendent/principal.The school board selected Bob Drury, former Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker superintendent, to fill the short-term position. Drury will start
Birch Run school board votes, 4 to 3, to offer superintendent's job to Peck schools chief
Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:50:00 -0500
Tom Gilchrist | The Saginaw News Follow Share this story Story tools David M. BushBIRCH RUN — Birch Run Area Schools Board of Education members voted 4 to 3 Wednesday to offer the school superintendent’s job to David M. Bush, superintendent of Peck Community Schools in Sanilac County. “We really felt we
Under new leadership: William Eis moves into the post of Grosse Ile superintendent
Hello Grosse Ile!I am the new superintendent of Grosse Ile schools. With this being my second official week on this job, I wanted to pass along a few of my thoughts and observations to you as we begin this new journey together.Even though my on-site work is just now beginning, I actually began my regular communication and involvement with pertinent activities of the district in early May.I attende
Committee considers Memphis superintendent candidates
Fri, 16 Jul 2010 07:50:00 -0500
By Jeanne Kniaz, Voice Reporter Two candidates for the Memphis Community Schools superintendent position were interviewed last week by members of a district selection committee.Larry C. Audet and James L. Wencel presented for second round interviews before the panel last Wednesday.Audet has a Bachelor of Science in secondar
RESA and Ivers agree to terms
Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:02:00 -0500
BERRIEN SPRINGS - Now that the contract details have been worked out, the Berrien Regional Education Services Agency can focus on welcoming its new superintendent.Berrien RESA board members approved and signed a three-year contract Wednesday for Superintendent Kevin Ivers, who will start Sept. 1, Interim Superintendent Jim Palm said.Ivers replaces Jeff Siegel, who retired June 30 after a 37-year c
New assistant superintendent chosen
Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:38:00 -0500
Bringing with him vast experience as a financial administrator in both the public and private sector, Michael G. Zopf has been named assistant superintendent for Finance and Operations for Northville Public Schools. Zopf's appointment received unanimous approval from the Board of Education at its June 29 meeting. Previously two separate positions — assistant superintendent for Ad
Airport Schools chief retiring in August
Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:26:00 -0500
Airport Community Schools is losing Supt. Henry A. Schafer, a “lifelong educator” and administrator in the district for 37 years, to retirement. Mr. Schafer announced at Monday’s board of education meeting that he would retire Aug. 27. The board accepted his letter of resignation. No discussion about how to replace him is expected until the board’s next meeting July 26.
Albion to hire academics administrator
Albion Public Schools is hiring an administrator to focus on academic performance, but some question the idea just months after the district laid off nine teachers. The board last week created the position of director of achievement and accountability by a 4-2 vote. The person will oversee the district's curriculum and make $75,000 to $85,000 a year. The high school has failed to meet the st
Madison school board opts to rehire Jim Hartley as superintendent
Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:50:00 -0500
By David Panian Daily Telegram Posted Jul 13, 2010 @ 05:08 PM Last update Jul 13, 2010 @ 10:01 PM MADISON TWP., Mich. — The Madison School District Board of Education isn’t ready for a permanent change in superintendent. The board voted 7-0 to work out a one-y
WILLIAM COALE: Michigan Education Association needs to be reformed
Wed, 14 Jul 2010 05:02:00 -0500
Unfortunately, much in the manner that the United Auto Workers veered off course, the Michigan Education Association appears to have taken a similar route.Its laser focus on “Making Educators Affluent” rather than working for a “Meaningful Education Agenda” has put the needs of students on the back burner and instead deals exclusively with adult issues.Don’t get me wr
Lansing school board's approves allternative ed online option
Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:26:00 -0500
The Lansing school board Monday narrowly approved a new, online alternative education program for failing high school students. The 5-4 vote came after two hours of spirited discussion about concerns ranging from day care for parenting teens to the number of credits required to graduate. "My best hope is that we have higher graduation rates and that the administration will now focus o
Richards, other HISD employees set to retire
Mon, 12 Jul 2010 22:54:00 -0500
By TRACI L. WEISENBACH Tribune Staff WriterBAD AXE — One could have heard a pin drop when Superintendent Janet Richards announced she will be retiring Jan. 1, 2011.The HISD board members, who unanimously hired her as superintendent in August 2009, seemed very hesitant about approving Richards’ retirement. They knew they needed to approve it, but it was a decision they didn’t want to make.HISD Boar
Mayoral control of Detroit Public Schools may be up to voters
Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:14:00 -0500
A group of community leaders is expected to announce today that it has collected more than enough signatures from people who favor mayoral oversight of Detroit Public Schools. Change for Better Schools has collected 30,704 signatures, 90% of which the group says have been verified. They cite several reasons for pushing for the change, including the fact that the district has had four superintend
Kerr to attend first meeting as new superintendent
Mon, 12 Jul 2010 09:50:00 -0500
Dr. Tina Kerr will attend her first board meeting as superintendent of Coldwater Community Schools tonight. It will also be the first meeting for newly elected board member Clair Dean. Dean will join previous board members Rick Gates, James Hiscock, Robin Iveson, Edward Lake, Jean Milnes and Ron Smith. The evening will begin at 5 p.m. with a standards of practice and board governance meeting
CEOs offer 10 questions for candidates
Mon, 12 Jul 2010 09:26:00 -0500
Statewide CEO group Business Leaders for Michigan is calling on voters to query candidates on key issues facing Michigan — and is providing the questions. The group today is releasing a list of 10 questions it wants voters to ask gubernatorial and legislative candidates. It is publicizing the questions through a radio campaign. The questions arise from the group's plan to improve the stat
Madison school board to discuss superintendency
Sun, 11 Jul 2010 21:42:00 -0500
By Erik Gable Daily Telegram Posted Jul 11, 2010 @ 03:21 PM MADISON TWP., Mich. — The Madison school board on Monday is scheduled to discuss whether to rehire Jim Hartley as the district’s superintendent. Hartley retired at the end of June, but has indicated
O-E Schools narrows superintendent search to 6
Sun, 11 Jul 2010 05:02:00 -0500
ELSIE — The Ovid-Elsie Board of Education plans to interview six candidates for the superintendent position being vacated by Wayne Petroelje, who is retiring. The candidates were chosen by the Ovid-Elsie Area Schools Board of Education Thursday night from a pool of applicants comprised of 19 individuals. Interviews are scheduled for Thursday
Fulton superintendent to retire
Sat, 10 Jul 2010 12:26:00 -0500
After 25 years at Fulton Schools, the last three as superintendent, Chuck Mungall is retiring.The move came as somewhat of a surprise, even to himself."I think what most people say about retiring is they look internally and just know it might be time," Mungall said. "But I was actually planning on continuing a year or so."Then on Mother's Day we had a family discussion. They as
Board to select superintendent at special meeting
Sun, 04 Jul 2010 12:40:00 -0500
 Fenton — After the special budget meeting Monday, the Fenton Board of Education continued with an executive session, closed to the public, to discuss the candidates for the superintendent position, to replace Peggy Yates, who is retiring. The two finalists, Dr. Rodney Rock of Saginaw Intermediate School District and Dr. Timothy Jalkanen of South Lake School District completed a se
