BERRIEN SPRINGS — The Berrien RESA Board of Education is moving forward in the selection of a new superintendent and is inviting the public to attend the interviews.

Current superintendent, Dr. Kevin Ivers, has announced his retirement effective at the end of this school year.

Eleven educational leaders applied for the position, board officials said. The board reviewed the applications and invited three educators to be interviewed. The process has been facilitated by the Michigan Leadership Institute.

The interviews will be today and are open to the public. All interviews will be at the Berrien RESA Administrative Conference Center, located at 711 St. Joseph Ave. in Berrien Springs.

The interview schedule is as follows:

1 p.m. — Matthew Wandrie, superintendent of Lapeer Public Schools.

2:30 p.m. — Eric Hoppstock, assistant superintendent of Berrien RESA.

4 p.m. — Blake Prewitt, superintendent of Lakeview Public Schools.

“We were pleased with the number of quality applicants who demonstrated interest in Berrien RESA,” said Board President Cathy Bair. “The board understands the importance of this decision and the impact the new superintendent will have on our children, schools and communities.  We look forward to finding out more about the candidates’ leadership abilities and what each candidate has to offer. The board has appreciated the input from the public and encourages everyone to attend the interviews. It is our hope to have the new superintendent hired by mid-February in order to provide a smooth transition of leadership for the new school year.”