Atlanta begin process of finding new superintendent

Sean Harkins
During a special board meeting Tuesday, the Atlanta Community Schools Board of Education took the first steps in its search for a superintendent and moved the district’s alternative education program out of the high school.

Terry Conklin, a representative from the Michigan Association of School Boards, met with the board to discuss what the board was looking for from its next superintendent.

Conklin already had met with school staff members to discuss what they wanted in a superintendent.

The board decided the next superintendent also would serve as elementary school principal.

“That is based on the declining enrollment and the finances of the district,” said board President Janette Sarkozi.

The district previously had a superintendent, elementary school principal and high school principal.

“The district can no longer afford to run with three administrators,” said interim Superintendent Tom Harmon.

A minimum salary of $85,000 per year was established and the board also set criteria stating superintendent candidates must have a master’s degree and experience in education.

Applications for the position are due in June. Once they are received the board will select four to six candidates to interview. That field will be further narrowed and one or two candidates will be called back for second interviews.

From there the board will make a decision.

“They’re shooting to have the new person on board the first part of August,” Harmon said.

Harmon was hired on April 2, following the resignation of James Mouch, who resigned March 24, two weeks after the board voted not to renew his contract - which would have expired in 2010. He cited “philosophical differences” as the reason for his resignation.

On Tuesday, the board also unanimously approved moving the alternative education program from the high school to the Elkland Center in Atlanta.

Sarkozi said there were minor issues throughout the year having the program in the high school. She said it was difficult having two programs with two sets of rules under the same roof.

“In order to give these kids the best chance of success, (the alternative education program) really needs to be off-site,” she said.

The program was based in the Elkland Center before it moved to Atlanta High School about two years ago.

Sean Harkins can be reached via e-mail at sharkins@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5688.