By Brad Heineman
The Blissfield Board of Education hosted a special meeting Tuesday, June 3, to conduct interviews with their three possible candidates to replace Scott Moellenberndt as superintendent of Blissfield Community Schools.
David Pray, Andrew Shaw and Blissfield High School Principal Jerry Johnson were all present at the meeting. Shaw and Pray are former school superintendents. Shaw, Pray and Johnson spoke to the board in that order, discussing their previous work roles, achievements, financial roles as well as difficulties. The board asked questions following the candidate’s addresses regarding what they could do for the school district as a superintendent, as well as their availability schedule.
Questions were posed as to whether Johnson could still work both interim as well as high school principal and the board hashed that out. Suggestions were made that Johnson stay on as principal to stave off the “musical chairs” of moving around employees to cover lost roles. It was also mentioned that if the board voted Johnson in as interim they could still find a person who appears more qualified for the permanent role, which would appear as a disservice to their current employees.
Trustee Bob Beckey made a motion to hire retired Clinton Schools superintendent David Pray as interim superintendent. Board treasurer Brian McEwan supported the motion. The board voted 5-2 to hire Pray, with Bruce Carter and Scott Abbott voting no.
For the complete story, please pick up the June 11, 2014, edition of The Advance.