The Forest Hills Public Schools Board of Education held a special meeting on March 4, 2024, where discussions centered on the future leadership of the district and the challenges it faces. A key highlight was the introduction of a candidate for the superintendent position, who shared his extensive background in education and leadership.

The candidate, who has spent over a decade as a superintendent in Tri County, emphasized his commitment to improving educational outcomes and fostering community engagement. He recounted his journey from teaching to administration, illustrating his dedication to enhancing student performance. Under his leadership, his previous district saw significant improvements, transforming one of the lower-performing elementary schools into a higher-performing institution.

A pressing concern raised during the meeting was the decline in student enrollment at Forest Hills Public Schools, which has seen a loss of approximately 1,000 students since 2012. The candidate pointed out that while some students are transferring to other districts, a notable number are opting for Brighton, suggesting a need for the district to understand and address the reasons behind these choices. He stressed the importance of making Forest Hills a preferred choice for families by enhancing academic success and expanding opportunities within the district.

The candidate also highlighted the importance of collaboration and learning from other educational institutions, advocating for a more interconnected approach to public education. He expressed a desire to engage with the community and ensure that the district meets the needs of its students and families.

As the meeting concluded, the board and attendees were left with a sense of urgency to address the enrollment challenges and to consider how the new leadership could steer the district towards a more promising future. The discussions underscored the critical role of effective leadership in shaping the educational landscape and the importance of community involvement in fostering a thriving school environment.