Dziatczak named new Birmingham superintendent

After a detailed search, Birmingham Public Schools Board of Education has unanimously chosen Mark Dziatczak as its new superintendent. The board of education recommended Dziatczak to serve as the district's next superintendent at a meeting to deliberate its decision on Thursday, December 13, following a final round of interviews, presentations and meet-and-greets for Dziatcak and Dr. Christopher Delgado, deputy \superintendent with the Walled Lake School District, the top two finalists. An official decision was made on Tuesday, December 18, at their board meeting. Dziatszak currently serves the Troy School District as the deputy superintendent for teaching and l;earning. Prior to his current role as deputy superintendent, he held positions with Troy as assistant superintendent for secondary instruction and rincipal for Troy High School. He will replace former Birmingham Public Schools' Superintendent Dr. Daniel Nerad, who retired June 30, 2018, after six years with the district. Dziatczak will join the Birmingham School district the week of January 21, Anne Cron, interim spokesperson, said. All of the trustees felt Dziatczak embodied “collaborative, connected and caring” characteristics. board vice president Lori Ajlouny said, “What a man filled with passion.” Trustee Adrienne Young felt the “overwhelming theme with him was collaboration. He really nailed it with having people be heard, but he also is willing to make tough decisions.” Trustee Steve Scheidt noted both candidates were excellent, but “it's more about fit at this moment in time.” Dziatczak began his career in Troy in 1997 as a science and technology teacher at Troy Athens High School. Dziatczak holds an educational specialist degree in educational leadership from Oakland University and a master’s in K-12 educational administration from Michigan State University. Currently, Dziatczak is enrolled in the doctoral program in educational leadership at Oakland University. “With student success as the focus of its work, I believe that a high performing, exemplary school district starts with a harmonious and productive relationship between the board of education and superintendent where roles and responsibilities are understood and valued,” Dziatczak said in his application. “Mutual expectations are created, followed and leveraged to conduct the policy and procedure work of the district, which forms the structure within which staff can act and students can flourish. Upon this solid foundation, the superintendent works collaboratively with students, parents, staff and community members to refine the mission, vision, values and goals of the district which are designed to empower students to positively impact their world during their transition from young learners to adult citizens.”