Haslet board opens contract talks with Patrick Mali after second-round superintendent interviews

The Haslet Public Schools Board of Education voted to begin contract negotiations with Patrick Mali, the chief academic officer at Bay City Public Schools, after second-round interviews with two finalists Monday night.

Mali told the board he views bargaining and district leadership as relational work that begins with "trust, respect and shared responsibility," and presented an equity analysis he prepared for the district during his week of visits. Board members said his combination of data review, emphasis on listening and experience with special education, MTSS and communications convinced a majority to pursue negotiations.

Why it matters: The next superintendent will direct district priorities including implementation of the district's DEI plan, special education supports and staffing. Board members said they wanted a leader who can both analyze district outcomes and build community support for long-term initiatives.

Mali emphasized a measured approach to equity work and communications. "Equity is a destination, not an achievement," he told the board, arguing that DEI work must be tied to classroom practice and sustained in the budget. He also urged regular engagement with parents, staff and community groups and recommended concrete tactics such as exit interviews to understand why students attend other districts.

Board members praised both finalists. Several members said Todd Bidlack, assistant superintendent in Bloomfield Hills, demonstrated strong experience in special education, bond program work and union negotiations. Others said Mali’s preparation and approach to community listening made him the best fit for Haslet at this time.

The board moved — and approved by voice vote — a motion to "start contract negotiations with Patrick Mali." The motion’s mover and second were not named in the public record; the board indicated the formal contract approval vote is expected at the next regular meeting on June 10.

What it does not say: The board did not approve a final contract Monday; the vote authorized negotiations only. No salary, contract length or other terms were disclosed during the meeting.

Next steps: Negotiations will proceed; the board will consider formally approving a contract at its June 10 regular meeting. Audience feedback forms collected earlier in the evening will be part of the board’s deliberations but were not read into the record during the vote.

Sources: Candidate interviews and board deliberations at the Haslet Public Schools special meeting; board announcements about the June 10 agenda. The board's motion to begin negotiations was recorded during the meeting but specific vote tallies and mover/second names were not provided in the public proceedings.