Haslett board advances two finalists after superintendent interviews; narrows field to Bidlack and Mali

The Haslett Board of Education held a special meeting to continue its superintendent search, heard hour‑long interviews with two finalists and directed staff to bring both candidates back for final interviews.

Todd Bidlack, introduced as an assistant superintendent from Bloomfield Hills Schools, told the board he prioritizes instructional leadership and teacher development. "I pride myself on having the reputation of being student‑centered and really investing in people," Bidlack said, describing multi‑year work to rebuild math pathways and a strategy that he said doubled the number of students completing Algebra by the end of eighth grade.

Patrick Mali, identified as the chief academic officer for Bay City Public Schools, emphasized system‑level reform. "I'm here today because I spent my entire career trying to improve outcomes and opportunities for kids," Mali said, describing MTSS (multi‑tiered supports), team‑based leadership and an early‑college program that produced measurable increases in students graduating with college credits.

Why it matters: The board narrowed its list to two candidates it will interview publicly a second time, signaling the next stage of the search will probe operational capacity as well as instructional vision. Members said follow‑up questions should focus on district finance and budgeting experience, working with multiple employee associations during contract negotiations, special education services, and how candidates implement a district DEI plan in practice.

What the candidates emphasized: Bidlack framed his approach around community engagement and facility reconfiguration when enrollment shifts demand it; he pointed to past experience leading community forums and a bond campaign to reconfigure K–8 buildings. He also described using a state literacy grant to rebuild core materials and intervention systems. Mali outlined a strategy of organizing supports through tiered systems, using data to allocate resources, and developing leader pipelines through coaching and mentoring. Mali gave detailed examples of redesigning a high school into an early‑college model and of restoring collaborative "team time" for teachers, paid through Title I, with instructional coaches to sustain gains.

Board concerns and process: During deliberations board members praised both finalists’ preparation and said they wanted clearer examples in a few areas: specific, documented roles in budget development and negotiations; detailed elementary‑level leadership experience (for candidates coming from larger secondary systems); and more examples showing how initiatives engaged classroom teachers rather than only administrators. Several trustees said the search has progressed quickly and asked staff to ensure final‑round questions include some unscripted prompts and time for candidate questions of the board.

Next steps and logistics: The board scheduled public final interviews for both finalists on May 28 at the Haslett administration building; members will make reference‑check calls before the final interview and the panel will permit public questions and time for candidates to ask the board. The board also announced its regular meeting on June 10. Trustee Pento moved to adjourn the special meeting; Secretary Wheeler seconded, and the meeting was adjourned.

The board’s next public actions will be the May 28 interviews, the reference‑check reports that board members collect beforehand, and any subsequent offer the board decides to authorize.