Clintondale board votes to accept superintendent applications, allows 'nontraditional' hires under state rule

The Clintondale Community Schools Board of Education voted 5–1 to direct the board president to post a notice accepting applications for superintendent — including the option of a direct appointment of a qualified candidate or a nontraditional candidate who could obtain a temporary permit under MCL 380.1246 — with applications due April 30.

Board President (chairing the meeting) opened the discussion after the board returned from a closed session, reading a memo that outlined four options for filling the superintendent post: (1) direct appointment of a qualified candidate, (2) direct appointment of a nontraditional (temporary‑permit) candidate, (3) an internal search, or (4) an external search using a professional firm. The president told members the packet included proposals from three search firms for review.

Vice President Nook moved to post for applications and Treasurer Powers seconded. During debate, trustees weighed the tradeoffs between hiring an outside search firm — which can draw a wide applicant pool but may reduce the board’s perceived control of the process — and conducting a direct or internal appointment, which board members said could be faster and less costly.

Board members pressed staff about what “nontraditional” or “nonqualified” meant in practice. "The permit is only good for six months," said Lee Walmsley, the district’s HR director, explaining the temporary permit process and that the state (MDE) reviews transcripts and credentials when issuing a permit. Walmsley and other trustees said a mentor must be identified in the paperwork for a candidate who lacks the full administrative certification.

Trustees who supported the motion argued that allowing a nontraditional candidate could broaden the field to include experienced leaders from outside the traditional superintendent pipeline. "Just because somebody isn't a teacher or wasn't a teacher and didn't work their way up in the chain, doesn't mean they should be disqualified," the president said, urging the board to consider competent nontraditional candidates who could be mentored into the role.

Trustees who opposed that route raised concerns about fairness and transparency in past searches. One trustee cited past experiences with MASB and other firms and asked that the board receive all applicant material and clear explanations when applicants are screened out. Several trustees said they want the application packet and the statutory references (MCL 380.1246) included in the public notice and that candidates who are presented for direct appointment appear at the podium and answer questions as part of the community process.

Public commenters urged the board to choose a leader who can stop enrollment losses and be transparent with the community. Public commenter Jay Blazius urged the board to pick an energetic, community‑connected leader and criticized repeated use of search firms that he said had produced short‑lived results.

The motion to post the notice with the MCL 380.1246 reference and an April 30 application deadline passed 5–1. The board did not vote at the meeting on hiring a search firm or on appointing any specific candidate; staff were instructed to prepare the job posting and return with additional details as needed.

Next steps: the board directed the president and HR office to post the superintendent notice and to provide the board with the detailed posting language and statutory language cited in the motion. The board indicated it will consider applicant materials and further actions at upcoming meetings.