• From: Margaret Weertz <weertzm@gpschools.org>
    Date: Wed, Oct 7, 2020 at 2:40 PM
    Subject: Fwd: GPS Tower Interview
    To: School Board <SchoolBoard@gpschools.org>


    Board members,
    I took the opportunity to respond to staff reporter Erin Astfalk at South High School. I thought you would like to see my response.
    Margaret

    ---------- Forwarded message ---------
    From: Margaret Weertz <weertzm@gpschools.org>
    Date: Wed, Oct 7, 2020 at 2:38 PM
    Subject: Re: GPS Tower Interview
    To: Erin Astfalk <150007751@gpschools.org>


    Erin,

    The board has not had a chance to talk about this at all. All of our focus has been on getting kids back to school safely.

    1. Having said that, the board most likely would hire a firm to do a search for us. We would likely narrow the field down to 3-5 candidates.

    2. We would talk to the search firm about what skills we are desiring in a candidate.

    3. The seven board members make the decision as a team. Depending on the date of Dr. Niehaus’s departure, we would likely start the process this winter.

    4. In general the superintendent oversees the entire district. S/he sees where the district needs to go in the next five years, what it needs to accomplish those goals, and sets it on that course.

    5. Dr. Niehaus’s has served almost six years and has accomplished his goals as a leader. He is 68 years old and he is in support of the career of his wife who is interviewing to become a community college president. That may take them out of the area.

    6. First I’m grateful for Dr. Niehaus’s outstanding service as superintendent. He gave us great leadership and got the district into sound academic and financial shape. We are on a very solid footing to head into the next few years.

    Margaret Weertz


    On Wed, Oct 7, 2020 at 11:34 AM Erin Astfalk <150007751@gpschools.org> wrote:
    Thank you so much! My questions are down below, you can email me back your answers whenever you get the chance.

    What is the process for finding a new superintendent?
    What qualities are the district looking for?
    When is this decision made, and who makes it?
    What exactly does the superintendent do? What are their main jobs/responsibilities?
    Dr. Niehaus has done many great things for the district, is there any particular reason he chose to resign that you know of.
    Is there anything else you would like to add about the criteria or process of choosing a new superintendent?
    Thanks again,
    Erin Astfalk

    On Mon, Oct 5, 2020 at 3:50 PM Margaret Weertz <weertzm@gpschools.org> wrote:
    Erin,
    I’d be happy to talk or answer your email questions.
    Margaret
    313-689-2346

    On Mon, Oct 5, 2020 at 10:35 AM Erin Astfalk <150007751@gpschools.org> wrote:
    Hello Mrs. Weertz,

    My name is Erin Astfalk and I am a writer on the Tower at Grosse Pointe South. I am writing a story of the process of replacing Dr. Niehaus and what the district is looking for. I was wondering if you would be willing to answer a few questions for me. You are probably very busy, so I could just email you the questions and you can send your responses back if that would be easiest for you. LMK asap!

    Thank you so much,
    Erin Astfalk