KALAMAZOO (WKZO AM/FM) – Kalamazoo School Superintendent Michael Rice still says he has no timetable for leaving the district as he takes on his new role as the State Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Rice says it’s a great honor.
He says he would like to use what he learned here to raise graduation rates, improve reading and math scores and increase participation in Advance Placement classes statewide.
He says one issue that can’t be addressed locally is the shortage of qualified teachers.
He says his job will not only be to work with the school officias but to work with the Governor and the Legislature to adopt policies that will help turn Michigan Schools around.
The Kalamazoo School Board wants parents and students to know that the District is
strong and has a lot of talent at the top, and will continue to move forward now that Dr. Michael Rice has been selected to be State Superintendent of Schools.
Thursday night Board President Patti Sholler-Barber made a point of saying that Dr. Rice as put together a team that is deep in talent, some of them award winning.
One of them may be appointed interim Superintendent until they complete their search.
Trustees will form a subcommittee to begin a search for a new Superintendent.
Dr. Michael Rice’s selection for the Lansing job means they have a lot of decisions to make.
The Subcommittee will discuss whether they want to do a national search or hire locally, and whether they will need a headhunting firm to find the best talent, and how to go about hiring one.
