Longest-Serving GP Schools Superintendent to Retire

C. Suzanne Klein will have about nine months to wrap up her 41-year career with Grosse Pointe Schools. Klein has held the position of district superintendent for 14 years—almost 15 by the time she retires in December. 

Klein, who was the district's first female superintendent, made her announcement to administrative staff on Monday. She will retire Dec. 31, 2011. She is the longest-serving superintendent in the district's history by years. Most have served about five years and some as few as two. 

"There is no perfect time if you're in the educational system with any seriousness," Klein said of her future departure. "I've loved this work. I'm one of those people who is so fortunate have a true passion for what I do." She also noted how appreciative she is to have worked in a district where the community has such a strong commitment to education. 

She has not yet begun planning out her retirement plans and she said she'll have plenty of time for that when the time comes. For now, Klein is focused on the district.

"There is a lot to do between now and December," she said. "I'll worry about my plans later."

Klein intentionally gave her notice now to ensure the district would have enough time to find an appropriate replacement and to ensure she would be able to help with the transition. She wants to ensure there are no "bumps in the road," she said.

The district's PTO Council president Helen Srebernak was saddened by the news Monday. She described Klein as a "wonderful, wonderful superintendent." Srebernak said Klein's passion for the district and for people has always been clear and her departure will be a "huge loss to the district." 

Srebernak has seven children, the oldest of whom is 20, so she's seen Klein in her role for years. "I don't know whom they'll get. She is just unbelievable," Srebernak said. 

In addition to understanding how parents think and knowing the district inside and out, Klein has always been excellent about answering questions, Srebernak said. On the off chance she didn't know the answer, she has always been good about tracking it down, Srebernak said. 

Grosse Pointe Foundation for Public Education President Bob Bury said in a written statement he was saddened by the news of Klein's retirement, noting her support for the children, schools and foundation. He also offered congratulations and thanked Klein. 

She has been with the district since 1970, climbing her way to the top. She has served in a variety of positions, including teacher, special education teacher, administrator, assistant principal of Pierce Middle School and principal of Parcells Middle School. In 1990 she was named the director of Special Education, then she transitioned to assistant superintendent of instructional services and finally deputy superintendent before taking the helm of the district in 1997. She has really served in the position since the summer of 1996 when she was named the interim superintendent. 

According to the district's press release, Board of Education President John Steininger said Klein will be tough to replace but he is happy with the lengthy notice she provided because it will provide ample time to find a quality replacement. 

The district's initiatives and improvement plans are unlikely to be interrupted as a result of Klein's departure, according to the press release.