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Wayne-Westland board votes to hire Jen Curry as superintendent on two-year contract
Summary
After public testimony and board debate, the Wayne-Westland Community School District Board of Education voted 7-0 to hire Interim Superintendent Jen Curry on a two-year contract while the board continues planning a long-term superintendent search.
The Wayne-Westland Community School District Board of Education voted unanimously Monday to hire Interim Superintendent Jen Curry as the district’s superintendent under a two-year contract while the board continues preparations for a longer-term superintendent search.
The decision followed more than an hour of public comment and board discussion. Several union leaders, district employees and community members urged the board to name Curry permanently, citing the stability she has provided since taking the interim role. Dennis McBride, president of the Wayne West End Central Office Administrative Association, said the group “endorses Jen Curry without the utmost respect and trust in the superintendent leadership position.” Members of the Wayne Westland MEA and district staff also spoke in favor of hiring her.
Curry’s supporters pointed to her management during recent crises, including contract negotiations, a financial shortfall and a cyberattack, and urged the board not to risk losing a leader familiar with the district. In public comments, speakers repeatedly requested that the board either appoint Curry immediately or at minimum delay a search while she continues to lead.
Board debate that followed ranged from members who favored immediate appointment to those who argued the board owed the public a search to compare candidates. Doctor Dale Weaver introduced a substitute motion asking the board to vote to hire Curry; the motion was later amended to specify a two-year appointment that would give the board time to “prepare” for and conduct a long-term search after that period. Board members discussed the costs of a nationwide search and the potential of losing Curry if she were required to apply for the position.
After the amended substitute motion was moved and seconded, the board conducted a roll-call vote. The motion passed 7-0.
Votes at a glance: the amended motion to hire Jen Curry as superintendent for two years passed 7-0.
The board did not publish contract terms on the meeting agenda. The board president indicated further contract details would be worked out with Curry following the vote.
The outcome marks a change from the board’s prior practice of opening superintendent searches after interim appointments. Members who supported the two-year appointment said it allows continuity and time to prepare the district and the board for a broader search later; members who favored a search said any final long-term decision should be informed by candidate comparisons.
Board President Kimberly May presided over the vote. Members recorded as voting in favor were Doctor Dale Weaver, Mister Cox, Miss Melanie Hines, Mister Andrew Ambrose, Miss Ebony Mitchell, Mister Rashawn (first name not specified on the record) and President May.
Curry, identified on the record as the district’s interim superintendent, thanked the board during the meeting and said she loves the district. The board’s motion and recorded votes are part of the meeting minutes.
The board’s action takes effect immediately, and the district said details of the contract and next steps for a long-term superintendent search will be finalized in follow-up board work and communications.
