Goodrich – By a 7-0 vote Monday night, the school board voted to approve the hiring of interim superintendent Larry Allen as the district’s permanent superintendent.
Allen, a former superintendent for Mt. Morris Schools, took the interim superintendent post after Kim Hart was put on an administrative leave in July.
At a special board meeting on Nov. 10, the board halted the superintendent search process, which had reached two finalists, Bently Laser, Superintendent, Littlefield Public Schools and Wayne Wright, Superintendent, Birch Run Area Schools.
Board Trustee Jim Bertrand said before the meeting, he decided to have a discussion with Allen to persuade him to take the post.
Allen said after his conversation with Bertrand, he spoke with his family about taking the job.
‘I did officially retire at one point,? said Allen. ‘However it is very rewarding working with this board and I would like to continue to work toward proactive and positive measures to bring about some improvement in this district,? he said.
Allen said the district is doing well academically; however, he likes being a part of a board of trustees who asks the question, ‘How can we improve??
‘I am ready to tackle that responsibility with this board,? said Allen. ‘I have some goals in mind.?
Allen received his bachelor of science, master of arts and educational specialist degree from Central Michigan University. He has a Michigan superintendent’s certification and secondary permanent teaching certification. Additionally, Allen received an honorary doctorate from Davenport University in 2000 and currently serves on the GenNet board of directors.
Board Trustee Linda Jackson reflected on the decision.
‘I spent two hours-plus talking to Larry recently, and he had a page full of goals that he is working on already. Moving Larry from interim to permanent superintendent is what we need to move forward.?
President of the Goodrich District Board of Trustees, Michael Tripp is eager to ink a contract with Allen.
‘Although the end date of Larry’s contract will be negotiated, we definitely want him to be the district’s superintendent for the next year and a half. I hope to have his contract ready soon.?