School board to hold interviews for new supt.

BELLAIRE – The Bellaire Public Schools Board of Education will conduct interviews next week for a new superintendent.

The decision to begin the search for a new administrator was made earlier this year, according to school board president Rob Silk.

"The contract for our current superintendent, Jim Emery, was up two years ago," said Silk earlier this week. "At that time, the school board extended it for one year, but decided not to renew his contract this year."

The decision to let Emery go was mutual, Silk said.

"Jim's been with us 12 years, and carried us through a lot of changes in the schools. That's a long time for any school administrator," Silk stated.

After the decision was made to find someone new, the board brought in Rick Seabold, a facilitator from the Michigan Association of School Superintendents, who met with both staff and parents, and interested community members.

"We also sent out a survey requesting feedback on what people thought are important qualities needed in our next school leader," said Silk.

From there, working with Seabold and the MASC, the board of education developed a superintendent profile based on input from staff, parents and community, before seeking applications.

Since the request for applications was made, approximately 20 have been received, the school board president said.

"Those are from all over the state of Michigan, as well as from out of state," said Silk. "Many of those who applied have former ties to this area. Most of them also indicated that they were impressed with our school district, as well as this part of northern Michigan."

Read the full story in our regular edition of The Review. To subscribe to the paper for just $34 a year, which includes access to our full online e-edition, please go to the subscription page on this website at: http://www.antrimreview.net/subscribe/