October 25, 2023
To East Jordan Public Schools Students, Staff, Parents and Community,
Last week, the East Jordan Public Schools Board of Education was informed by Mr. Stevenson, Superintendent, of his intent to retire at the end of the current school year. His last day will be June 30, 2024.
Mr. Stevenson served as Principal of East Jordan Middle School for six years and has led our district as Superintendent for the last ten. As Superintendent, Mr. Stevenson has worked closely with our business manager, Mr. Olszewski to navigate the intricacies of public school finance and maximize resources for our district, supported his staff in the implementation of our highly effective PBIS program, and led our district through the most challenging period in modern education; the COVID-19 pandemic. Through all of the challenges and successes he has encountered as Superintendent, Mr. Stevenson has never wavered in his commitment to our students and their education.
Thanks to everyone involved, the school year is off to a strong start. All of the latest initiatives are up and running, providing the best opportunities possible for our students. Mr. Stevenson will continue to lead this district through the end of the school year with the same passion he has always displayed. The valuable time given with this notice, creates an opportunity to put a plan in place to attract the best candidates for our next superintendent.
The Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Monday, November 6, 2023 in the auditorium located at East Jordan Middle/High School, at 5:00 pm for the purposes of investigating avenues available to us in the search for the next Superintendent of East Jordan Public Schools. Our meeting will be facilitated by Dr. Mike Washburn, a trusted consultant who has worked with our Boards and Superintendents for the last twenty years. Dr. Washburn, a former Superintendent at Forest Hills for 21 years in the Grand Rapids area, will focus on the best options and practices available to the Board and what to expect during the process. There will also be time for the Board and community members to ask questions related to this process.
At a time when the average Superintendent tenure in Michigan is only 2 – 3 years, The Board of Education would like to acknowledge the dedication and leadership Mr. Stevenson has provided during his time at our district. It is with deep appreciation that we wish him every success in all that his future may hold.
Sincerely
Mr. Ted Sherman
EJPS Board President