Whiteford school district gets a hand in superintendent hunt
10/8/2008OTTAWA LAKE - The Whiteford Agricultural Schools district is getting some free help from the Monroe County Intermediate School District to help find a new superintendent.
The school board has agreed to work with an ISD team of administrators in the search to replace Craig Haugen, who is leaving the district to take the superintendent's job at Jefferson Schools. His last day with Whiteford is tomorrow.
Whiteford becomes the second district in county to conduct a superintendent search with the ISD's assistance.
Mason Consolidated Schools in Erie Township picked its new superintendent, David Drewyor, with the ISD's help.
Holly Bunge, president of Whiteford's school board, said the service will save the district the expense of contracting with a consultant to conduct a search.
"We work very closely with the ISD of Monroe County. They know what we are looking for and they know the operations of our school system," she said.
Mrs. Bunge said the district wants to conduct a thorough search and would like to get a new superintendent on board as soon as possible.
"But, realistically, we hope to have a replacement on the job by June for the new fiscal year. Hopefully, it will be sooner," she said.
In the meantime, veteran school administrator Herb Gabehart will temporarily fill the Mr. Haugen's shoes.
The board hired Mr. Gabehart last week to serve as interim superintendent.
Mr. Gabehart is no stranger to the role.
After retiring as superintendent from neighboring Ida Local Schools in 2004, he served as acting superintendent for Dundee and Mason Consolidated schools.
"He is right up there with the knowledge of superintendent and the plan that we are using to conduct this search," Mrs. Bunge said.