Board approves internal candidate for Middle School East; Central principal recommendation fails amid recusal and dissent

The L'Anse Creuse Public Schools Board of Education on July 21 approved Zachary McIntosh as principal of Middle School East but did not approve the board's recommended candidate for Middle School Central after a recusal and dissent left the motion without enough support.

Administration recommended Zachary McIntosh for Middle School East after a 10-business-day posting that drew 19 applications and focus-group feedback from staff at the building. Superintendent Keith Howell described McIntosh as having three years of administrative experience as associate principal at Middle School East, nine years of prior classroom teaching in the Troy School District, and an education specialist degree in school administration. McIntosh introduced himself briefly after the vote and thanked the board and district staff.

Board members moved and seconded the motion to approve McIntosh; the board voted in favor and the motion passed. Board members who spoke in support cited high staff morale and broad internal support for the candidate.

For Middle School Central, administration recommended Steve Felicia, described in the presentation as having 14 years of administrative experience in Van Dyke Public Schools, including three years as a middle school principal. After a motion to approve Felicia, one board member said they could not support the recommendation and another board member announced a formal recusal from the item because of a prior professional relationship with the candidate. The board chair consulted with legal counsel and indicated the matter would likely return to a future meeting; the motion did not pass.

Superintendent Howell described the district's screening and interview process, saying he participated in the finalist interview and felt the candidate responded confidently to scenario-based questions. Board discussion noted the practical effect of the failed motion: the district will need to revisit the Central principal recommendation at a later meeting, which the superintendent said could delay placement and start-of-year planning for Middle School Central.

The board also discussed the process and the likelihood that, given professional networks in Macomb County education, hiring committees and district leadership will encounter prior relationships among candidates and district staff. Howell said the hiring steps followed the district's protocol and that he and the board president would reconvene to decide next steps.

The board did not adopt any motion changing the hiring process at the meeting; the Central recommendation will return for further consideration.

Ending: The East principal appointment takes effect with the board's approval; the Central recommendation remains unresolved pending further board action.