Board to discuss permanent superintendent after talks with interim; members split on open search

Board members spent a substantial portion of the March 11 meeting debating next steps for the superintendent position, balancing continuity under Interim Superintendent Kevin Aiken against best-practice searches with community engagement.

Several board members praised Aiken’s performance. One member said, in support of internal continuity, that Aiken "knows the district" and has restored information flow and trust. Aiken responded in part with dry humor about the work ahead: "All I know is my wife told me to fix it. So I'm gonna fix it." Those advocating for an open process said best practice includes community input, candidate interviews and stakeholder meet-and-greets through partners such as MASB or NC RESA.

Board members described two possible next steps: (1) the board will have initial conversations with Aiken about whether he wants to be considered for the permanent role and, if so, under what terms (several suggested a one-year introductory contract as an option), and (2) if the board elects, it could launch a broader search with outside assistance and public interviews. Several directors emphasized that policy language and Michigan law do not force a specific search process and the board retains discretion, but they urged transparency and community involvement regardless of path.

The board did not take a final vote; members agreed to continue the discussion and to plan a public process for stakeholder input if they opt for an external search.