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Milan superintendent Brian Gierbaugh announces intent to retire June 30, 2025; board outlines search process
Summary
Superintendent Brian Gierbaugh told the board he will retire June 30, 2025 after 33 years with Milan Area Schools; the board said it will consult administrators, union leadership and MASB and seek community input before appointing the next superintendent.
Superintendent Brian Gierbaugh announced his intent to retire effective June 30, 2025 and the Milan Area Schools Board of Education responded by outlining an inclusive search and transition process at the board's Dec. 11 meeting.
"It is with mixed emotions that I am announcing my intent to retire from Milan Area Schools effective June 30, 2025," Gierbaugh said in prepared remarks that reviewed his 33-year career as a teacher, administrator and 17 years as superintendent. He thanked his family, staff and the community and described highlights of his tenure, including a long-term increase in the district fund balance and capital projects completed after a 2009 bond.
The board issued a statement of appreciation and listed accomplishments during Gierbaugh's tenure, including increasing the district fund balance (cited in the board statement as rising from 4.5% in 2007 to 15.3% in 2024), passing the first sinking fund in 2024 and mentoring administrators who later advanced to leadership positions.
Board members said the personnel committee (which includes Miss Gutierrez, Mr. Farrow and Mr. Syslo) will lead preliminary work on the superintendent search, consult the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB), speak with district administration and union leadership, and solicit community input at a planned Big Red Board Chat on Jan. 22, 2025, in the Simons Elementary School Auditorium from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Gierbaugh said he will remain in the role through June 30 to ensure "a timely and seamless transition" and also noted the district has pursued long-term cost savings by participating in a consortium electricity purchase program; he reported cumulative electricity savings of $1,907,504.93 since joining that program, and $96,019.80 saved in the most recent 12-month reporting period.
Board members and staff offered thanks and personal remarks about Gierbaugh's leadership. The board said it will take its responsibility to appoint the next superintendent seriously and return to the full board with updates after committee work and community engagement.
Ending: The personnel committee will lead the initial search and community engagement; the board invited public input at the Jan. 22 Big Red Board Chat and will report status updates at future meetings.
