By By JAMES COLLINS
Niles Daily Star
NILES -- The Brandywine Board of Education made plans regarding its search for a superintendent at its meeting on Monday night.
Bob Jansen, of the Michigan Leadership Institute, came in to talk with the board and to set dates for the different steps involved in the search process.
The board set a tentative date of Jan. 21 to receive public input regarding the search for possible candidates. Jansen said it was important to receive input from staff members, students and members of the community on qualities they would like potential superintendent candidates to possess.
The Michigan Leadership Institute, which is aiding in the search, will meet with the board on Feb. 2 to finalize a portfolio on the type of candidates they seek.
The board also discussed how the position will be advertised and set an application deadline of March 3.
Jansen expects between 20 and 30 applicants and said the institute will assist in contract negotiations.
All agreed on dates for interviews and visitations and should arrive at a final decision sometime in April.
The board also elected Dennis Cooper as new vice president at Monday night's meeting.
Trustee Philip Bozung was then nominated and elected treasurer.
Brandywine's school board is seeking applications to fill the trustee vacancy left by the resignation of Gregory Harrison, who left his position because of a change in jobs.
Applicants must be residents of the Brandywine Public School District and must be at least 18 years of age.
Those interested in the position must submit a letter of interest indicating that they meet the position requirements of residency and age.
The letter must also answer the question "why do you want to be a trustee on the Brandywine Board of Education?"
Letters of interest should be addressed to Board of Education Secretary, Brandywine Public Schools, 1830 S. Third St., Niles, MI, 49120.
Letters must be received in the Brandywine Public Schools Central Office by the close of the business day on Monday, Jan. 12.
Questions regarding the open trustee position may be directed to Interim Superintendent Gary Campbell at (269) 684-7150.
The board also approved the exemption of the Cool Cat after school program and graciously accepted a $500 grant from Walmart to improve the two elementary schools' playgrounds.