Keith McDonald named interim superintendent
By Lisa Brody
As the search for the next superintendent of Bloomfield Hills Schools (BHS) continues, the board of education appointed Keith McDonald interim superintendent, effective January 1, 2024, and extended the contract for current interim superintendent Dr. Randy Liepa from October 30 to December 31, 2023.
At their regular board of education meeting on Thursday, September 28, the board shared they are continuing their search for a permanent district superintendent. While that search is underway, they said they had extended the agreement for the current superintendent, Dr. Randy Liepa, from his original end date of October 30, to December 31.
Liepa was named acting superintendent of the district on July 17, and became interim superintendent effect August 1. At that point, they had anticipated naming a permanent superintendent by the mid-August, having named two finalists. However, at a special study session of the board of education on August 10, it was announced that both finalists had dropped out of contention.
Former superintendent Pat Watson retired effective July 30, 2023.
Liepa has worked in public education for 30 years, and has extensive experience in school administration and policy, including serving 18 years as a superintendent. He was superintendent at Livonia Public Schools for 12 years, and superintendent of the Wayne County Regional Education Service Agency (Wayne RESA) for six years.
In 2014, Liepa was honored as the Region 9 Superintendent of the Year in Michigan, as well as Administrator of the Year for the Michigan PTSA. He holds a bachelor's degree from Hillsdale College, a master's degree in educational leadership from Wayne State University, and a doctor of philosophy degree in educational leadership from Michigan State University.
On September 28, the board appointed Keith MacDonald interim superintendent of BHS, effective January 1, 2024, and said he will remain in that position “until such time that a new superintendent is hired and begins employment.”
MacDonald is currently BHS Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, overseeing human resources, operations and maintenance, enrollment services, communications, safety and security, and Bowers School Farm and Johnson Nature Center.
He has degrees from Wayne State University as an education specialist, a masters in the art of teaching from Marygrove College, and a bachelor's degree from University of Michigan majoring in general science and physical education. Prior to joining BHS, he spent 20 years with Livonia Public Schools as a science and physical education teacher, an assistant principal, a principal, and as director of human resources. He has also been an adjunct professor at Madonna University, teaching courses on educational leadership.
