Board picks firm to lead search for new HVS chief

The Huron Valley School District has employed the services of the Michigan Leadership Institute to conduct a national search for a new superintendent.

“They will walk us through the steps,” said Board of Education President Sean Carlson. “There will probably be individual interviews with board members. The community will see the facilitation take place and provide feedback as we do a search.”

The board voted to spend up to $18,000 toward the effort, which will include publications and travel expenses.

“It was the best value as far as pricing and references,” Carlson said.

Former Superintendent Jackie Johnston vacated the position to take a superintendent position with the L’Anse Creuse School District. Jim Baker, Huron Valley’s former human resources director, was appointed interim superintendent effective May 1.

“I feel confident as the board president that we have a fantastic superintendent in Jim Baker,” Carlson said. “While we have a sense of responsibility to get this done, we have a great person steering the ship. I hope Jim puts his hat in the ring because the board showed confidence in putting him in the position.”

While the Michigan Leadership Institute will be conducting a national search, it is likely that the person selected will come from Michigan.

“From a public education perspective, Michigan has unique challenges like the budget and changes in the laws, so to get a national person to come in would be difficult,” Carlson said.

The search process is expected to take 12 weeks.

“It’s unrealistic to think we will have someone by the beginning of the new school year, but I’m guessing they’ll share what cadences there are and how it is panning out,” Carlson said.