Process for Search, Replacement of Superintendent Begins

The voted Monday to begin soliciting bids from companies that perform searches for superintendents. The decision follows C. to leave the district Dec. 31. 

Klein is the district's longest-serving superintendent. She'll have served 15 years in the position by the time she retires and has worked for the district for 41 years. 

Board President John Steininger said the proposals and bids are due to the board by March 15. The hope is to have the person selected in time to have a good transition period while Klein is still with the district. 

The challenge will be finding someone who understands the specialness of Grosse Pointe and its value on education, he said, noting the difficulty of bringing someone in from outside of the Pointes. 

Klein, Steininger said, holds a special place with him. The pair work closely together as superintendent and as board president, he said, often meeting one-on-one for up to 10 hours a week. Her commitment to the district is clear in her years of service to the same community, and that is what will be the hardest quality to find in a replacement.

In other business, the board approved $70,000 in licensing fees for tests from Northwest Evaluation Association, which are administered throughout the year and provide teachers immediate feedback. 

They also approved two additions to the staff—one classroom assistant at and one additional day of social work at .

During the next meeting, the board will also consider whether to take over the operation of Full Circle Resale Shop, located in the Park. The resale shop offers students with special needs an opportunity to learn life and work skills as part of their individual educational plan. It's currently operated by ARC, but their board has chosen to separate the shop from the organization.

Board members also briefly discussed the financial situation of the district. Although there has been some financial preparation and planning for this year's fiscal budget, official budget talks have yet to begin. 

Board member Brendan Walsh told fellow members he believes the district is prepared to deal with what he described as the biggest change in k-12 funding the state has ever seen. He said it won't be fun addressing it, but the district has positioned itself well to deal with it. 

Steininger said he is anxious to hear Gov. Rick Snyder's detailed plan promised in April and is hopeful the district can continue to offer the same level of education for which it has become known.