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Search Continues For Interim Superintendent At Lansing Schools

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – The search for an interim superintendent for the Lansing School District has been going on since the beginning of the year, and many are wondering why board members are placing so much emphasis on finding a temporary solution to something that needs a permanent fix.

When Dr. T.C. Wallace announced last year that he would be stepping down in June of 2012, board member Charles Ford said there were no immediate plans to search for a new superintendent.

"I've asked for [the search process] to start since we've known Dr. Wallace was going to leave on June 30th," said Charles Ford. "I think it was incumbent on us as board members to start the process."

Board president Myra Ford (no relation) said it's not as easy to find a superintendent as one might think. She says in addition to having new board members, it could take months to find the right candidate.

"We decided we want to take the time to do a thorough search and get a good superintendent - someone that everyone or most everyone will feel comfortable with," Myra Ford said.

This means a temporary leader will stay in place until a permanent one is brought on staff.

Kathy Hayes, executive director of the Michigan Association of School Boards said on Friday that often times these searches take time and that it's not uncommon for a district to bring on an interim superintendent before searching for one that will stay in place.

"I think what Lansing is looking at is giving them some breathing space to be able to go through a very comprehensive process," said Hayes.

Charles Ford said that it doesn't matter what the process is, that it should be unbiased and open to all qualified applicants, particularly those who are familiar with Lansing.

"Whatever process we use a superintendent or interim superintendent, I just want it to be fair," he said.