For the next 15 months, a familiar face in Berrien County will serve as interim superintendent for Niles Community Schools.

The board of education announced Tuesday that Dr. Michael Lindley, a longtime superintendent of New Buffalo Area Schools, has formally been appointed to replace Dr. Kevin Ivers as the full-time interim superintendent of Niles Community Schools. Lindley’s spot as the top choice for the role was first announced about two weeks ago.

“I am eager to work with the Board of Education and the qualified and dedicated professionals in Niles to ensure that the community’s students are receiving the educational services they require to maximize their intellectual and personal potential,” Lindley said. “Thus far, everyone has been helpful in easing my acclimation the district, and I am impressed with the many pathways to success that are offered to the students in Niles.”

Lindley has more than 20 years experience as a central office administrator, including an 18-year tenure at New Buffalo Area Schools. Lindley has also served as a teacher, Title 1 coordinator, principal and assistant superintendent. He currently serves as a trustee on the Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees.

“Improving student learning is the primary objective of the board and the entire staff at Niles Community Schools,” Board President Kathy Zeider said in a prepared statement. “Given Dr. Lindley’s proven track record of success, we are confident that he is the idea educational leader to guide our schools during this transition.”

Ivers, the current superintendent of Berrien Regional Education Service Agency (RESA), was hired as a part-time superintendent to replace Dr. Richard Weigel, who stepped down in late February. In a letter to the school board, Weigel attributed his resignation to his differing vision for the future from the administrators in the Niles school district.

The board of education’s initial goal was for Ivers to help with the transition and to have a permanent superintendent in place by the end of June. However, the board decided to postpone the process because the search firm hired to find a permanent superintendent had concerns about the timing and believed that most qualified candidates were already committed to other school districts.

The decision to delay the process of hiring a permanent superintendent means that the board will not resume search until fall.