Our Swartz Creek Board of Education is beginning the search for our next permanent superintendent with the professional support of a superintendent search firm, Ray and Associates.

Choosing a new superintendent is one of the most important decisions for our schools and our community.

We strongly believe that finding the best candidate will only be accomplished with our community’s partnership and involvement. Throughout the search, there will be multiple opportunities for families, staff, and community members to share their perspectives. Your input will help shape the superintendent profile and guide the board toward a final decision. We are committed to making the process inclusive, transparent, and guided by your voices.

Superintendent Search – Community Interview Opportunities

A sincere thank you to our community for your ongoing support and for taking the time to respond to our 31 Qualities Survey. Plus, 71 students, staff, and community members joined us for focus group discussions in mid-October. Your feedback is invaluable to help us find a strong, experienced leader who fits the needs of our unique students, staff, and community.

The School Board invites the community to participate in the Superintendent search process. Below is the schedule of upcoming interviews and community events.

Meet the candidates:

Mrs. Michelle Paul - Mr. Chad Sexton - Mr. Mark Whelton - Mr. Kenneth Janczarek - Dr. Rob Bueche - Dr. Sarita Stevens

First-Round Interviews (Virtual)

Dates:

Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 5:15 pm Mr. Mark Whelton, 6:15 pm Dr. Robert Bueche & 7:15 pm Mr. Chad Sexton

Thursday, February 19, 2026, 5:15 pm Dr. Sarita Stevens, 6:15 pm Mr. Kenneth Janczarek, & 7:15 pm Mrs. Michelle Paul.

Format: Virtual interviews conducted by the Board in the Boardroom

• Community members are welcome to attend in person and observe the interview process from the Boardroom.

• Interviews will be recorded but will not be live-streamed.

• Recordings will be posted on the District website following the conclusion of interviews on February 19.

Meet the Final Superintendent Candidates

Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Location: Board Room
Attendance: RSVP Required – Limited Seating

This event will provide the community with an opportunity to meet and hear from the final Superintendent candidates.

Schedule:

• 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. — Meet & Greet

• 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. — Community Forum

  • Candidates will respond to questions

  • Facilitated by representatives from Ray and Associates

Due to limited seating and space constraints, this event will require an RSVP. If you plan to attend, please complete the following form: Meet & Greet RSVP

Final Superintendent Interviews

Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Time: Beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Format: In-person interviews
Live Stream: Yes

• The final candidate interviews will be live-streamed for public viewing.

• A link to the live stream will be available on the District website prior to the event.

We encourage community members to participate and stay informed throughout this important process. Please continue to check the District website for updates and additional details.

Timeline:

• Stage 1 — Preparation (September)

  • Online survey for community input opens. Available October 1, 2025

  • Active recruitment begins

• Stage 2- Ideal Candidate Profile Development (October)

  • Community listening sessions (In-person and/or virtual) October 21 & 22, 2025

  • Online survey closes Monday, October 27, 2025, at 8:00 am

  • Superintendent profile finalized for promo materials, job description, and application form, at Board Workshop, Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 5:00 pm

• Stage 3 — Recruiting ( November, December, and January)

  • Promotional materials and application information sent to prospective candidates

  • Application deadline: January 18, 2026

• Stage 4 — Interviews (February) All held at the SC Administration Building.

  • Interviews held with top candidates at Board Meetings on Feb. 18 & 19, 2026, at 5:00 pm.

  • Meet & Greet, Community Forum, Superintendent Final Candidates Q & A Night Feb. 24, 2026, at 5:30 pm.

  • 2nd-round interviews with final candidates held at the Board Meeting on Feb. 25, 2026, at 5:00 pm.

• Stage 5 — Selection & Announcement (February and March 2026)

  • Offer extended to selected candidate

  • Public announcement of the new superintendent