CASSAPOLIS, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Former Kalamazoo Public Schools Operations Director Jim English has found a new job as the Business Manager at Cassopolis Public Schools in Cass County.
English was terminated from his position here late last year after it was determined that he had spent money and taken actions without board approval. He has countered with a lawsuit of his own.
In a press release Monday, the district said it reviewed the termination investigation the Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of Education conducted, as well as English’s lawsuit, and with their own background check they were satisfied he is a good choice for their vacancy.
The full statement from Cassopolis Public Schools is below:
This evening the Cassopolis Public Schools district wishes to express our sincere gratitude to Mrs. Geri Vlasicak for her almost 20 years of contributions to our district in the Business Department. This includes the last 5 plus years as our Business Manager. During that time Geri has kept the district on sound financial footing while simultaneously showing both respect and fairness in her management of our teaching and support staff.
Cassopolis Public Schools is also excited to announce the hiring of Mr. James English to assume Geri’s role in leading the Business and Financial side of our district. Mr. English began his career as a middle school teacher before transitioning into the role of Business Management. He brings 20 plus years of school finance management experience to Cassopolis. Mr. English is respected as one of the top school business officials in the state. He is a past recipient of both the Grand Valley School Business Officials Administrator of the Year award as well as the Michigan School Business Officials Meridian Award. Mr. English has also
been awarded the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting by the American School Business Officials.
Prior to extending an offer to Mr. English Cassopolis Public Schools completed a thorough review of his complete work history including the circumstances surrounding his recent departure from Kalamazoo Pubic Schools. As it relates to Kalamazoo Public Schools we reviewed the investigative report that was used to recommend his termination. We have also reviewed the whistleblower lawsuit that has been filed in his defense. Additionally, we have spoken with many sources Jim has worked with throughout his career in school business administration. Based on all of the above we are confident that anyone who conducts a
thorough review of Mr. English’s career, including the incidents in Kalamazoo, will come to the same conclusion as we have. Specifically, that conclusion is that Cassopolis Public Schools is hiring a person with exceptional competence and integrity.
reporting from John McNeill
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