Schools
Simeck Named Superintendent of Lake Forest School Districts 115, 67
Has served as superintendent of two Michigan school districts.
and have chosen Michael Simeck as superintendent for both school districts, effective July 1.
Simeck will succeed Harry Griffith, who is retiring at the end of the current school year. He has been superintendent for the Berkley School District in Oak Park, Mich. since 2007, and previously served as superintendent in Dansville, Mich. from 2003 to 2007.
"I am very pleased and eager to become superintendent of District 67 and Lake Forest High School," Simeck said. "It is evident the communities support and value exemplary education. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to make Lake Forest Schools’ future even brighter.”
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Simeck was selected using a collaborative interviewing process involving parents, teachers, staff, administration, community and school board members representing both districts.
Final candidates were identified from a group of 100 individuals. The two school district Boards of Education interviewed six candidates and four finalists were presented to staff and community representatives.
“The collaborative process works," Lake Forest High School Board of Education President Sharon Golan said. "During an extensive interview process, involving over 50 staff, parents and community members, we were able to identify a new superintendent who reflects important characteristics defined by all. We look forward to welcoming Michael to our school community.”
Simeck received a bachelor's and master's degree from Eastern Michigan University, the latter in educational leadership, and is completing his doctorate in educational administration at Michigan State. He was selected to participate in the Fulbright Administrative Exchange in Peterborough, England, served as a Fulbright English Assistant, was awarded a Goethe Institute Scholarship and grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
“We are pleased to present to our school communities an experienced leader who will serve within the current shared services model. Michael’s commitment to being a reflective leader will serve our communities well and the continuation of shared services will ensure the educational and financial benefits to our constituents,” said Julia Wold, District 67 Board of Education president.
Simeck and his wife, Mari, have three children, Gabrielle (sophomore), Max (eighth grade), and Lilia (fourth grade). Mari Simeck is also a Fulbright Scholar and spent a full year in Paris as part of a Teacher Exchange Program.
The district will host receptions in the spring to offer the school community an opportunity to meet Simeck.
