Almont board names next Superintendent

Croswell-Lexington Ass’t. Supt. tapped to lead district

 

ALMONT — 14 weeks after they began their journey of selecting a new superintendent, the Almont school board has their man.

During a meeting May 26, board officials interviewed their two finalists for the position, Kyle Wood from the Cros-Lex school district and current Reese Superintendent Jordan Ackerman, during second round interviews.

The two had been selected from a field of 18 applicants.

The two men were in the district for much of the day last Tuesday, taking building tours and meeting various staff and students along with a “meet-n-greet” with the public, prior to the board meeting.

Board members said they were very impressed with both men during first round interviews and stated they felt either applicant would have been a good for for Almont.

Both men gave a brief power-point presentation outlining their plan for the first 90 days of working in the district, should they be selected.

Wood was the first to be interviewed and said he intended to “listen, learn, align and launch.”

Days 1 to 30, he said, would be spent “listening to staff, board members, anyone who I needed to be in contact with.”

Days 30-60 would be used to learn and align himself with the district and their strategic planning while days 60-90 would include the launch of a new school year, after numerous meetings with teachers, administration and school board members.

“I intend to have 90 conversations in 90 days,” Wood told the board. I need to be held accountable, we all do, so we can work towards a common goal of doing what’s best for students and their education.”

Wood said he felt it was important to continue to listen, to gain feedback and “If it’s not working, we would have to re-evaluate and make changes. We are all in this together and it’s a team effort. I know there is a good team in place in Almont to collaborate with and I’m excited for the opportunity, if I am selected.”

When reached by the Tri-City Times on Monday, Wood said he is eager to get final details of his contract worked out and get started with the district.

“I was pretty excited when Mr. Morrell (Michigan Association of School Boards representative) called me and asked if I would accept the position,” Wood said. “I am beyond happy and thrilled and can’t wait to get going. I want to thank the board for their confidence in me. They had two good candidates to consider and I know they worked hard to make what they felt was the best decision, and I happen to agree with them.”

According to his resume, Wood has worked at Croswell-Lexington and Marlette school districts as a Principal. He is currently finishing up a four-year contract at Cros-Lex as the district’s Ass’t. Supt.

His education background includes a Specialist in Education Administration from the University of Michigan-Flint, a master’s in Education/Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education.

Wood has Certifications in Education/Public/Central Office Administration K-12, History (CC Endorsement) for 7-12 and Social Studies (RX Endorsement) for 7-12.

Wood told the board he has experience in helping pass a bond recently at Cros-Lex and has worked collaboratively in facility needs assessment, bond campaigns in general and a member of the district’s safety team.

He also has experience with Sinking Funds for facility improvements and has been a part of several negotiation teams.

In a prepared statement produced by MASB, Board President Janaea Smith said, “Mr. Wood is a proven and experienced educational leader whose passion for public education and student focus will continue the district’s tradition of high expectations and promoting the success of all students.”

She added, “The board is confident that Wood’s vision and ‘growth mind set’ will continue us on our journey to excellence.”

According to Smith, Wood’s strength in curriculum and instruction was a main consideration for the board along with his work on Federal and State Grants.

“Consistent with Almont Schools values, the selection was supported by an inclusive process,” Smith explained. “Selection criteria were generated based upon the input of numerous community members, parents, and staff via an online survey. Community members provided immediate feedback to board members during preliminary and final face-to-face candidate interviews. Additionally, administrators, faculty, students, and parents provided input following a series of structured stakeholder conversations. The board of education appreciates the district’s citizens and staff support of the process.”

Pending final details on his contract being finalized and approved, Wood is scheduled to begin his duties at Almont July 1.