Superintendent Search

Superintendent Candidates Selected


During a special meeting held Feb. 20, 2025, the Northwest Education Services (North Ed) Board of Education selected five candidates to be interviewed for the regional superintendent position.

Candidate interviews are open to the public and will take place March 3-5 at North Ed’s Arnell Administration Building, 1101 Red Drive, Traverse City. 


Search Calendar


Nov. 5, 2024:  North Ed Board Approval of Michigan Leadership Institute as superintendent search firm.

Nov. 18-19, 2024:  MLI begins focus group discussions with North Ed staff, local superintendents, parents and other community members.

Nov. 20-25, 2024:  Community survey posted on North Ed website and emailed to staff, community partners, parents, local school leaders.

Dec. 3, 2024:  Regular North Ed Board of Education meeting.

  • Board reviewed, modified and approved search calendar.
  • Orientation to search activities and process.
  • Initial discussion of new superintendent compensation parameters.

Dec. 10, 2024 – Feb. 7, 2025:  Formal job posting and recruitment.

Feb. 7-14, 2025:  Screening and vetting of viable candidates.

Feb. 20, 2025:  Special Board of Education Meeting. Candidate selection from application pool. Meeting will include closed session to protect applicants’ identities.

March 3-5, 2025:  North Ed Board hosts first interviews with candidates.

  • March 3, 2025:
      • 4:30 p.m.: Kathleen Xenakis-Makowski, Superintendent, Johannesburg-Lewiston Area Schools; President of the Michigan Association of School Administrators
      • 6 p.m.: John Mertz, Superintendent, Olivet Community School
  • March 4, 2025:
      • 6:15 p.m.: Michael Haynes, Director of Instructional Services, Char-Em Intermediate School District
  • March 5, 2025:
      • 4:30 p.m.: Stephanie O’Dea, Director of Instructional Systems, Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators
      • 6 p.m.: Dr. Tara Mager, Superintendent, Clare-Gladwin Regional Educational Service District

March 4, 2025:  North Ed Board Regular Meeting

March 18-19, 2025:  Second interviews with candidates.

March 20, 2025:  Final Interviews.

July 1, 2025:  New superintendent start date.

July – September 2025:  MLI supports transition and new superintendent acclimation.


Related Documents

02.21.25 North Ed Board Selects 5 Candidates in Search for New Superintendent

12.12.24 North Ed Posts Superintendent Job Profile

11.19.24 North Ed Board President Fisher's Letter to Community

11.19.24 Press Release: North Ed Seeks Public Input on Next Leader