Superintendent Search Information

On March 24, the Board of Education selected John Philo as the next superintendent, pending contract negotiations. He will begin serving in July 2026 following Superintendent Bearup's retirement. Read the announcement from MASB below.
 
The information below outlines key dates and survey results. We are grateful for the Michigan Association of School Boards' assistance with the process.

Revised Search Timeline

The key dates in the superintendent search include:

  • Feb. 11, 2026 – 7 p.m.
    Board Workshop: Planning (75 minutes)

    • Review search process

    • Review search timeline

    • Preliminary posting

    • Discuss salary range

  • Feb. 26, 2026
    Community and staff engagement survey closes

  • March 3, 2026 – 7 p.m.
    Board Workshop

    • Report on survey results

  • March 9, 2026 – 4 p.m.
    Superintendent application posting closes

  • March 12, 2026
    Community and staff engagement sessions in the Project Room at Oakestown Intermediate 

    • 3-4 p.m. for secondary staff (district staff only)
    • 4-5 p.m. for elementary staff (district staff only)
    • 5:30-6:30 p.m. for community members (see announcement below)

  • March 13, 2026
    Board receives access to candidate materials

  • March 18, 2026 – 7 p.m.
    Board Workshop

    • Report on engagement input

    • Develop selection criteria

    • Interview preparation

    • Finalize interview questions

    • Select candidates for interviews

  • March 24, 2026 – 6 p.m.
    Candidate interview (see announcement below)
    Possible board decision date

  • TBD
    Alternate board decision date

  • July 1, 2026
    New superintendent begins role

View the official timeline provided by MASB (PDF):

Interview Announcement

The interview has concluded. Thank you for your participation in the process.

Community Engagement Session

This event has concluded. Thank you to everyone who participated.

Survey Results

Input from staff and community members helps guide the superintendent search process. The survey results in the PDF below summarize feedback received from 337 respondents.