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The Ypsilanti Board of Education formally interviewed its final candidate for superintendent Monday night.
Dr. Sarena Shivers, director of curriculum for Southfield Public Schools, looks to replace Dr. James Hawkins, who has served as superintendent since 2005 following the departure of David Zuhlke.
Hawkins was set to retire last month, but agreed to stay on until the board found a replacement.
Now on its second series of the superintendent candidates, the board previously interviewed several individuals in April. Two candidates from the previous round, Superintendent Dr. Sandra Harris of Oak Park and Dedrick Martin, director of equity and achievement at the Champaign, Ill. Unit 4 School District, were recalled and will meet with the board for dinner this week.
Richard Weigel, of Ypsilanti Public Schools, and Dr. Theresa Saunders, of East St. Louis District No. 189, were chosen as the two finalists during the first round of interviews, but neither candidate garnered a majority of board support.
Shivers, who is originally from the Midland area, received her bachelor’s degree from Morgan State University and her doctorate in educational leadership from Indiana University.
After she received her bachelor’s degree, she worked as a teacher in Baltimore. After some time spent working for the department of defense, Shivers went on to work in educational administration in Indiana.
Before taking her current position in Southfield, Shivers was employed by the Washtenaw Intermediate School District. She lives in Ypsilanti Township and said that her experience working with the ISD and her close proximity to the district will help her easily integrate into the community.
“I believe that I am part of the community and believe I can take an already wonderful school district to another level,” Shivers said.
When asked about her leadership style by Trustee Sarah Devaney, Shivers indicated she enjoyed working collaboratively. Speaking about a summer program to assist students having trouble passing the MEAP exam, Shivers said none of the decisions were made in isolation and people came together to have “meaningful discussions about how we were going to provide opportunities for students.
“I believe in discussing, listening and talking things out,” she said.
Shivers said she expected open communication between herself and the school board if she were chosen as superintendent. However, she realized that there may not always be consensus among all board members.
“I do not believe board members are elected to agree all the time,” she said, adding that it’s a positive when school boards consist of different people with different backgrounds and experiences.
Noting that she was aware of the financial problems YPS faces, Shiver said the district will have to get creative about ways to save money, including looking at ways to cut energy costs and how grades and personnel are configured.
“It’s unrealistic to think that we aren’t going to have to face some programming decisions and personnel decisions,” Shivers added, saying more cuts would be likely in the district.
The board is scheduled to meet with Dr. Sandra Harris today at 5 p.m. for dinner, followed by a discussion in room 138 at Ypsilanti High School. Dedrick Martin will meet with the board Wednesday at 5 p.m., and will also have a discussion with the board following dinner.