Board approves personnel report; district announces communications coordinator and assistant athletic director hires

The Southfield Board of Education approved personnel actions and routine consent items on Jan. 14, 2025, and district leaders introduced two new hires intended to strengthen communications and athletics operations.

Why it matters: Staffing at the district level affects communications with families and the running of athletic programs. Trustees also approved minutes and personnel reports that document hires and separations.

Chief of Staff James Jackson introduced Tyler Smith as the district’s new communications coordinator; Jackson said Smith will take over social media, website management and community messaging and will begin Jan. 27. Jackson also announced Glenn Blackwell will join the district as assistant athletic director starting Jan. 21 to help expand athletics programs and provide leadership for scholar‑athletes.

Trustees moved and unanimously approved the consent agenda (minutes from Dec. 10 and Dec. 12, 2024) and the personnel action report (report 6339). Board members expressed appreciation for the hires and encouraged staff to continue work on a more efficient district hiring and onboarding process. Board secretary Leslie Love Smith Thomas called the roll for the consent motions and personnel vote; the board’s roll call recorded unanimous approval for both items.

What comes next: Personnel actions are to be reflected in district HR records; the superintendent and chief of staff said recruitment will continue for open positions and that recommendations for associate dean and other leadership roles will be brought forward when searches conclude.