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Bedford board extends Superintendent Dr. Schultz’s contract five years
Summary
The Bedford Public Schools Board unanimously approved a five-year extension and contract-language amendment for Superintendent Dr. Schultz to align with a recent court ruling affecting superintendent pension language; the board praised his leadership and requested final contract materials be posted.
The Bedford Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously at its meeting to approve a five-year extension and related amendment to Superintendent Dr. Schultz’s employment contract.
Dr. Schultz told the board the change responds to a state-level court dispute over how the Office of Retirement Services interprets superintendent contracts. "There has been an ongoing lawsuit, Bautista versus State of Michigan ORS," he said, and the state supreme court’s decision requires specific contract language to ensure pension treatment. The proposed amendment adds that language, according to board discussion and a resolution prepared by the law firm Collins and Blaha.
Board member Amy Bissell moved the resolution to approve the amendment "as recommended," and the board carried the motion in a roll-call vote. The chair announced affirmative responses from Amy Bissell, Amy Driehorst, Dee, Megan and Gina; the chair also voted yes. Griffin was excused. The board’s public discussion included multiple compliments about Dr. Schultz’s leadership and the district’s financial alignment with other executive renewals.
Dr. Schultz thanked the board for its support. "I have no interest in going anywhere else," he said, adding he was "always happy to be able to stay longer." Board members described the extension as a win for continuity and student programs.
Why it matters: Dr. Schultz said the contract changes are designed to comply with the court ruling and to avoid future litigation costs, and the board emphasized that the amendment keeps pension language aligned with other district executive contracts.
Votes at a glance: - Motion: Approve amendment and five-year extension to the superintendent employment contract. Mover: Amy Bissell. Outcome: approved (roll-call; chair announced affirmative votes; Griffin excused). - Motion: Acknowledge Michigan tenure acquisition by Amanda Clucky (see Votes at a glance). Outcome: approved by voice vote.
What happens next: The board instructed district staff to return with final contract documents and costs associated with the amendment language for the district’s records. The board also noted the district’s audit presentation will occur at the November 7 meeting.
