The Brandon School Board will consider an interim superintendent along with proposals from the Michigan Association of School Boards and the Michigan Leadership Institute in an effort to replace outgoing Brandon Superintendent Tom Miller.
Miller, who announced his retirement from the school district earlier this month, joined the school board personnel committee, including trustees Karyn Milligan, Chris Yuchasz and Luke Frye, who convened in a special session late Friday, April 25. They discussed possible directions to replace Miller, who will leave the district on June 25.
Several concerns for the board will be the continuation of the $73 million bond proposal and transition to the new trimester format this fall. Miller said plans for the 2008-09 school year have already been under deliberation and all the key individuals in the district will remain in place.
Three names of possible interim superintendents were mentioned during the meeting, including Lorrie McMahon, director for curriculum, instructional services and accountability for the Brandon School district; former Brandon Schools Superintendent Bart Jenniches, and current Brandon High School Principal Michael Ferguson. Several people at Friday’s meeting spoke in favor of McMahon, who was not in attendance but responded to the recommendation.
‘The board has to make the decision,? said McMahon. ‘The administrative team is very strong here in Brandon and we will keep it going during the upcoming transition period. I would consider filling in for Tom until a new superintendent can be found’but that’s down the road.?
McMahon started in the district last July after serving as curriculum director in the Ionia School District, which has an enrollment of approximately 3,100 students, for about nine years. Prior to that, she taught math and science at Lake City High School for 10 years. McMahon has a bachelor of science degree from Saginaw Valley State University and a master’s degree in teaching and curriculum learning from Michigan State University.
In addition, Nancy Campbell was also considered. Campbell has been an assistant superintendent for the Berkley School District since 2000 and was a finalist selected by the 2005 superintendent search committee following the departure of Jenniches.
‘It would be very easy to support her,? said Yuchasz. ‘But consider she was second best then, and that was three-and-a- half years ago. There’s no need to hurry this.?
As of press time, no date has been set for further discussion of hiring a superintendent.