Birmingham Public Schools will soon begin the search for a new superintendent to lead the district.
The Board of Education accepted the resignation of current Superintendent Mark Dziatczak during his virtual board meeting on Tuesday evening. Dziatczak has been on vacation since October for an unknown medical reason.
“This is a very difficult and very emotional solution,” said Kimberly Whitman, president of the education committee. “Personally, I want to wish Mark and his family the best of luck. It has been a privilege and an honor.”
Whitman read a statement from Dziatczak during the meeting thanking the Birmingham Public Schools for the opportunity to serve in their top administrative post.
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“I would like to thank the BPS community for their support during a challenging time for me and my family. I am fine and I will fully recover but will not be able to return in the near future,” said the statement read . “As I am focused on my ongoing health as well as the immediate needs within BPS, I made the difficult decision to step down from my position effective February 23, 2021. That decision will allow BPS to start looking for the next Superintendent than to start helping the Board of Education as quickly as possible for their support, as well as the numerous new friends I have made in the BPS community, as I prepare for summer, the upcoming school year, and beyond. “
Whitman said the board would begin a superintendent search immediately. George Heitsch, the former superintendent of Farmington Public Schools, will continue to serve as interim superintendent throughout the school year, Whitman said. Heitsch, who also acted as interim superintendent of the South Lyon Community Schools from the end of 2019, has been working as interim superintendent in Birmingham since the start of his medical leave in October.
Dziatczak was hired by the school board as superintendent of the district in late 2018 and began working in the district in January 2019. The job was his first position as Superintendent: he came to Birmingham from the neighboring Troy School District, where he served as Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning.
Several board members thanked Dziatczak for his service in the district and were emotional as they discussed his term in office.
“His commitment to our students and staff has shown in all of his decisions,” said Vice President Lori Ajlouny as she fought back tears. “I worked closely with Mr. Dziatczak and saw firsthand how he worked with others, empowered others and established our district. I am very sad and wish Mr. Dziatczak and his family all the best for the future.”
Contact reporter David Veselenak at [email protected] or 734-678-6728. Follow him on Twitter @davidveselenak.
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