Capac superintendent explores options

Will remain with the district; has “board’s full support”

 

CAPAC — This time of the school year, there is a lot of shuffling taking place when it comes to retirements, hirings or movement by teachers and administrators looking to make a move.

The Almont School Board is currently working through the interview process to find their next superintendent.

After receiving 18 applications for the open top administrator position, the Almont board has narrowed it’s list to five people and began interviews this week.

Recently, Capac Supt. Dr. Amy Nelson had tested the waters, applying for the Richmond opening.

She has since learned she was not selected as one of two finalists.

According to both her and School Board President Beverly Wheelihan, Dr. Nelson will return to the Capac district in the fall.

“I can confirm that I was selected for a first-round interview for the superintendent position in Richmond. At this time, no decisions have been made,” Dr. Nelson told the Tri-City Times in an email.

“As is often the case in our profession, it is appropriate to thoughtfully consider opportunities for professional growth as they arise.”

She went on to add, “That said, I care deeply about Capac Community Schools, our students, our staff, and the community we serve. I am incredibly proud of the work we are doing and the positive momentum we have built together.”

Dr. Nelson said she has developed a strong, collaborative relationship with the Board of Education, and appreciates their professionalism and their support “both in the work we are doing here in Capac and in supporting me as I consider other professional opportunities,” she wrote in the email.

The superintendent shared, “At this time, I remain fully committed to my role and responsibilities in Capac. Any future decisions will be made thoughtfully and with the best interests of both my family and the district in mind.”

Capac School Board President Beverly Wheelihan responded to a request for information from the Tri-City Times in a letter last week, saying;

“The Board felt it was a perfect opportunity to express how pleased we have been with Dr. Nelson in her performance as Superintendent of Capac Community Schools.

She has never wavered in her high level of performance or productivity in her most critical role of ensuring that the Board’s polices are efficiently and effectively implemented.

As you must know, these are difficult times for all schools and good leadership is imperative to ensure that all of our students and staff continue to benefit and to thrive, not just during difficult times, but always.”

President Wheelihan went on to write, “One matter that I did want to specifically address, and make abundantly clear, is that there has been no discussion by the Board to terminate Dr. Nelson’s contract. The Board fully supports Dr. Nelson, and any rumors to the contrary that may be circulating or may have been circulated, are unequivocally false and unfounded.”

President Wheelihan said Dr. Nelson was fully transparent regarding an opportunity presented to her to interview for the opening in the Richmond school district.

“She immediately reached out to the members of the school Board, as well as to staff. During the entire process, Dr. Nelson did not once falter in her commitment to Capac Community Schools, the staff, and, most importantly, her commitment to the students in our district.”

The Board president said, “This all exemplifies why the Board would be deeply saddened to see her leave our district and what a loss this would mean to our community.”

She concluded, “That said, although we would be saddened, should a new opportunity arise for Dr. Nelson or any of our wonderful staff, we would, as we always have, support that staff member in his, her or their professional growth.”