Now these two school districts must decide where to go from here.

Currently, they both have separate interim superintendents that will work until June 30.

Former Hilman principal Pamela Rader, is now the interim superintendent for Hillman.

The Atlanta school board approved Tony Suszek as their interim superintendent on Wednesday, Dec. 8.

News photo by Barbara Woodham Interim Superintendent Tony Suszek proudly shows the hall in Atlanta.

Suszek retired in 2019 as assistant superintendent of finances and non-instructional services for Alpena- Montmorency-Alcona Educational Service District.

With 40 years in, Suszek said that he was the longest serving employee there, ever.

“They asked me to apply because they knew my background and there would be good stability and I’m in the area,” said Suszek.

What will happen in the fall is still up in the air.

Rader has made it clear that she is not interested in being superintendent for dual districts.

“My heart belongs to Hillman,” said Rader.

At a board meeting in Hillman last month, Rader said that even though she would want to, she would not be able to be fair to Atlanta and would favor Hillman.

Suszek said that he would not accept the position of dual superintendent either because he is retired, but he does believe that a dual superintendent is the best option for the districts.

“There is a cost savings there for the taxpayers,” said Suszek. “I like the formula, I think Carl did a great job. From my standpoint it was working great for Atlanta and Hillman and Atlanta is still interested in that, I believe.”

Suszek said that when there is a dual superintendent, the districts can afford to pay better wages for the position.

Going forward, Suszek said that the two school boards need to talk.

The two school boards are preparing for a meeting sometime in January to begin discussions on plans for next year.

Rader said this week that she would support whatever decision the school boards make, but did not say if she would be willing to accept the position of dual superintendent if that is what they decide.

Suszek gave a definite no to accepting such a position, but said he would be open to staying on as superintendent for Atlanta if they decide to go that route, but that is not his intent right now.

“They could probably talk me into it,” said Suszek. “They talked me into it once, they could probably do it again.”

Suszek said that, financially, the districts would really benefit from going back to a dual position, but Rader seems to think that the districts could afford two.

At this point neither interim superintendent is interested in that dual position, so the districts will have to hire someone new if they decide to go that route.

“Unless we reconsider,” said Suszek.

“It’s not just a job,” said Suszek. “You are part of the community and you really need to take, seriously, the community and the students you represent. I will do that going forward and I will work with the board. It is an excellent board and excellent staff.”