Media Contact: Barbara Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications, cell: 586.817.8414, barbara@eafocus.com; Sue Briggs, Avondale School District, 248.537.6041, susan.briggs@avondale.k12.mi.us
Auburn Hills, Mich. —June 26, 2014—- Avondale School District, an achievement-oriented learning community focused on student leadership and success in academics, the arts and athletics, announces the search for a new superintendent is actively underway following the resignation of superintendent, George Heitsch, Ed.D. Dr. Heitsch, who served as Avondale’s superintendent since 2006, accepted the position of superintendent at Farmington Public Schools and begins July 1. He served as assistant superintendent for instructional services at Farmington immediately prior to joining Avondale.
“George Heitsch served Avondale with his whole heart and soul,” said Avondale Board of Education President, Sean Johnson. “The many accomplishments during his tenure leave Avondale well positioned to continue our positive momentum in serving our students and the Avondale community.”
Johnson notes that key accomplishments during Dr. Heitsch’s years as leader include:
• Navigating funding challenges through the recession, ultimately moving the district from a deficit to a small surplus
• Raising student achievement scores on both the MEAP and the ACT
• Creating and implementing the Avondale/Oakland University Partnership School at Auburn Elementary and overseeing multiple programs that are emerging as a result of the district’s growing relationship with O.U.
• Stabilizing enrollment
• Introducing and supporting innovative teacher and student learning programs, such as Leader in Me and Cultures of Thinking
The district has named Rick Repicky, Ph.D., interim superintendent. Dr. Repicky retired from Fraser Public Schools in 2010 after serving as superintendent for eight years. He was also a high school principal in the district and, altogether, spent 30 years of his educational career at Fraser. Dr. Repicky holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Oakland University.
The formal search for Avondale’s new superintendent is being conducted by the Michigan Leadership Institute.
About Avondale
Avondale School District is a collaborative community of teachers, staff and families working together to assure student success. The district, encompassing portions of Auburn Hills, Bloomfield Township, Troy and Rochester Hills, celebrates the richness of a diverse student population and strives to be a model school community that prepares students to be lifelong learners and contributing citizens to the world that awaits them upon graduation. Learn more about Avondale Schools, an AdvancED accredited district, at www.avondale.k12.mi.us.
