District begins new superintendent search

By Lisa Brody

Following the recent resignation of current Bloomfield Hills Schools' (BHS) Superintendent Patrick Watson, the board of education has begun the process of searching for his replacement.

On July 31, Watson will retire from his position as superintendent of BHS, and the board of education anticipates naming a new superintendent following their search at their meeting on August 22.

At the April 27 board meeting, the board heard presentations from Michigan Leadership Institute and Michigan Association of School Boards, and at their May 2 special meeting, they heard a presentation from Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates. The board subsequently hired the national search firm Michigan Leadership Institute to guide the board in the process of finding the next superintendent.

The board then worked with them to create a timeline for the search process, and to create a survey process for student, staff and community input.

Now through May 30, Michigan Leadership Institute is requesting students, staff and community input to assist in the development of the ideal candidate by participating in their online survey. Meetings with stakeholder groups have been occurring from May 24 through 31.

Next, candidates will be able to apply from June 2 through July 7, with top candidate interviews taking place on Monday, July 17; Tuesday, July 18; and Wednesday, July 19.

Finalists will be interviewed by the board on Tuesday, July 25, and Thursday, July 26, with the final selection of a new superintendent on Tuesday, August 22.