BHS Superintendent Glass New York bound

In an unexpected development, Bloomfield Hills Superintendent Dr. Rob Glass announced to his staff and the community on Tuesday, April 23, that he will be relocating to New York in July, after his wife accepted the job of her dreams at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), and he had been offered, and has accepted, a position as superintendent at a school district in Westchester County, New York, outside New York City.

Glass plans to complete the 2018-2019 school year before moving to New York to serve in his new role.

Glass has served as the superintendent of Bloomfield Hills Schools for the past nine years.

“It is with many mixed feelings that I share with you that I will be moving to New York at the end of this school year,” Glass said in his letter. “My wife recently accepted the position of Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations for the State University of New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in Manhattan. After making the difficult decision to relocate to New York, I was offered the position of superintendent with Eastchester Union Free School District,

“This truly is a special place to live and learn,” he continued in his letter to the community. “The community of Bloomfield Hills Schools is one of the most encouraging and heartfelt I’ve ever experienced. From the dedicated family members of our students, to our community business partners, and local support agencies, the community truly lifts up and champions the district.”

Administrators and board of education members acknowledged Glass' announcement caught them by surprise.

“I'm happy for him. For his wife – when you get an opportunity like this, it's hard to turn it down,” said Paul Kolin, Bloomfield Hills Schools Board of Education President.

At the same time, Kolin expressed, “We are deeply saddened to see Dr. Glass leave Bloomfield Hills Schools. “He is truly a one-of-a-kind leader, who leads with his heart first and foremost and has helped the district make tremendous advancements for the benefit of all learners.That said, we are happy for him and for Cynthia, his wife, and the journey that lies ahead in New York. They’re good people and great friends.”

The board of education has not made any official plans for a superintendent search, but is confident in the district’s ability to attract top talent. “We have talented students, dedicated and collaborative staff, incredible resources, and a school community that places a strong emphasis on strong, caring relationships,” said Kolin. “I am sure we will find someone who will carry forward the work Dr. Glass and his team have done and have planned still to do.”

Kolin said he is putting together two task forces, one to narrow down search firms to help the board and the district choose a new superintendent; the second, to prepare the time line and the process they will be undergoing.

“I looked at everyone's skill set. For the first, I put the most seasoned members of the board on that, some of whom went through the previous superintendent search (for Glass), including Cynthia von Oeyen, Jackie El-Sayed and Howard Baron, who is very organized,” Kolin said.

Kolin, acknowledging that it will be unlikely to have a new superintendent hired by July 1, said they will look at the senior administrative team and will likely make a recommendation for an acting superintendent, with the other two administrators assisting and acting as part of the leadership team. The three senior administrators are Todd Bidlack, assistant superintendent, learning services; Kelly Bohl, assistant superintendent, human resources and labor relations; and Tina Kostiuk, assistant superintendent, finance and operations.

Kolin said Glass did an excellent job of training and delegating.

“I had the tremendous pleasure of not only working here, but living here as well. Cynthia and I will miss being a part of this community and the moments we’ve shared as both partners and neighbors,” Glass wrote. “Thank you for this opportunity to learn alongside you, live alongside you, and be a member of this exceptional community.”

The next Bloomfield Hills Schools Board of Education meeting is Thursday, May 2.