On Tuesday, May 12, 2020, the Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) Board of Education approved an interim leadership structure as the district embarks on a formal search process for its next superintendent. Naomi Norman, WISD’s Assistant Superintendent of Achievement and Systems Support, will step into the Interim Superintendent role for the 2020-21 school year. WISD Superintendent Scott Menzel, PhD, was named the next superintendent of Scottsdale Unified School District in Scottsdale, AZ, on February 22, 2020, and will retire from WISD on June 30, 2020.
“We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Menzel for leading Washtenaw ISD over the past nine years and wish him all the best in Scottsdale,” said Dr. Theresa Saunders, WISD Board President. “We are also thankful for Assistant Superintendent Norman’s willingness to step into the Interim Superintendent position. We are confident she will provide the leadership and stability our district needs during this period of transition.”
While the majority of the Superintendent’s responsibilities will fall to the Interim Superintendent, WISD Assistant Superintendents Cherie Vannatter and Brian Marcel will also take on interim positions that reflect additional responsibilities as they lead alongside Norman. Assistant Superintendent Cherie Vannatter will step into an Interim Deputy Superintendent role and oversee internal organizational operations and support to local school districts, as well as continue to oversee special education and early childhood education. Assistant Superintendent Brian Marcel will take on an Interim Associate Superintendent role and take full responsibility for the major building construction efforts and board policy oversight and development, while continuing to oversee administrative services including finance.
“This interim leadership structure will allow us to maintain continuity of operations for our district, as well as continue providing leadership and support to local districts and our community while the Board conducts a thorough and thoughtful search for our next Superintendent,” stated Norman. “This stability is particularly critical as our community, state, and nation navigate the longer-term impacts of COVID-19. As the impacts of the pandemic continue to unfold and disproportionately affect our students of color, students in poverty, and students with disabilities, WISD remains steadfast and dedicated to our commitment to equity, inclusion and social justice.”
Norman, Vannatter, and Marcel each have deep roots in Washtenaw County, and their careers include nearly 60 years of combined service at Washtenaw ISD, plus additional service at local school districts. Their interim roles will begin July 1, 2020, and they will serve in them until June 30, 2021.
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