Johnston leaving HVS; replacement search to begin

An article by Leslie Shepard    No Comments

Huron Valley Schools (HVS) Superintendent Jackie Johnston has been tapped as the new superintendent for the L’Anse Creuse Public Schools District.

“I wasn’t actually looking, but became aware of the job,” Johnston said. “I was aware of its reputation because I worked in Macomb County for years. I love Huron Valley and very few districts have the same quality. I’ve been here 16 years and have been the superintendent for six years. I love a challenge and saw (the L’Anse Creuse job) as one opportunity I didn’t want to pass up.”

Johnston has served the Huron Valley district in a variety of positions, most recently for six years as superintendent.

She was offered the post with L’Anse Creuse on Monday, Feb. 13. She was one of three finalists vying for the position when she faced off against a pair of out-of-state candidates. Over 60 applicants sought the L’Anse Creuse job.

“I’m proud of where HVS is and the trajectory of its success, and am open to the opportunity to continue that,” Johnston said.

According to Johnston’s contract with the Huron Valley district, she must submit her resignation within 90 days of taking a new post.

“The next step is negotiating the contract and determining her start date (with L’Anse Creuse),” said Huron Valley Communications and Community Relations Director Kim Root. “I don’t have any other details when she will transition. The board intends to meet next week to discuss the issue.”

Board of Education President Sean Carlson said it will be a difficult task to find a suitable replacement.

“Jackie has been a solid leader; therefore, it will not be an easy task to replace her,” he said. “At the same time, I’m confident in our ability to attract top candidates to Huron Valley.”

The interview process with L’Anse Creuse began on Wednesday, Feb. 1 and continued Thursday, Feb. 9, in scheduled meetings with various employment groups. Each candidate was provided a full district tour. Community forums were also held with community member representation. Final interviews were conducted this past weekend, beginning on Saturday, Feb. 11.

Johnston said it was a difficult decision to throw her name into the running for the L’Anse Creuse job.

“It’s a hard decision to leave HVS — it feels like home, but it has been 16 years and I question if I should do something else and am a person who loves a challenge,” she said.

Prior to assuming the position of superintendent at HVS, Johnston served as the assistant superintendent of administrative services, overseeing financial policy related functions of the district. Before that she served as the director of purchasing, business services and audits for Warren Consolidated Schools, managing that district’s $120-million budget.