Goodrich- Superintendent Kimberly Hart wasn’t the first choice for the job, but she made a strong showing.
Hart was not chosen for the position of superintendent by the Kenowa Hills Public Schools Board of Education in Grand Rapids. Tom Martin, superintendent of Hopkins Public Schools in Hopkins, Mich., was selected during a May 7 board meeting in a vote of 4-3.
Gene Young of the Michigan Association of School Boards said as of press time Wednesday, the position was Martin’s to accept or turn down. However, should Martin decline the position due to division on the board, Young said Hart would again be a candidate.
‘The board is very divided between (Martin) and (Hart),? said Young. ‘It’s (Martin’s position) to accept or refuse, and if he refuses it then the board has other options. Kim would be one of those options.?
Teams from Kenowa Hills were touring districts headed by both finalists to speak with teachers and other employees about each candidate on April 30. The results of the tour were then discussed at a board meeting, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate.
Hart’s job performance has been under increasing scrutiny lately with mounting tensions between administration and the Michigan Education Association union as teachers and support staff remain on the MEA critical list and operate without a contract.
Despite those issues, Hart was recently granted a one year extension in her contract in the Goodrich School District, but has sought employment in Kenowa Hills and Oxford, where she is still in the running for a superintendent position.
But as of deadline, Young wasn’t ready to count Hart out for Kenowa Hills.
‘Kim is still in the hunt based on the fact that if he turns it down then they’ll turn to her,? said Young. ‘There’s support for Kim.?