Holland Public Schools parts with new superintendent after five months

Mitchell Boatman, The Holland Sentinel
·3 min read
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HOLLAND — Just months after hiring a new superintendent, Holland Public Schools is once again searching for a new leader.

The district’s Board of Education approved a “mutual separation agreement” with current leader Shanie Keelean during a special meeting Tuesday, Nov. 30. Keelean was hired by the district in June and officially began in the role July 1, 2021.

The Holland Public Schools Board of Education reached a mutual separation agreement with Superintendent Shanie Keelean, just five months after she began in the role.
The Holland Public Schools Board of Education reached a mutual separation agreement with Superintendent Shanie Keelean, just five months after she began in the role.

Board president Phil Meyer read a prepared statement during the meeting. Meyer said Keelean is “an experienced educator with excellent credentials,” but said her “talents, gifts and approach ultimately are not in alignment with what the board envisioned.”

“The board was excited about her intelligence, energy, and hard work and found her to be personable and well-prepared to readily and with knowledge discuss matters of educational substance,” Meyer said. “Her prior experience with diverse schools and a diverse range of students and families with varying needs was a key attraction and is certainly a strength she brings to her daily work. These traits were evident from the start as were her abilities to identify issues requiring attention and to collect and analyze data.

“Collectively, we recognize that change is difficult and that Mrs. Keelean’s talents, gifts and approach ultimately are not in alignment with what the board envisioned to help further the district’s priorities at this time. This does not diminish Mrs. Keelean’s educational experience and talents.”

Shanie Keelean was hired as superintendent by Holland Public Schools in June and began in the role on July 1.
Shanie Keelean was hired as superintendent by Holland Public Schools in June and began in the role on July 1.

Meyer noted there was “no professional misconduct or impropriety” leading to the decision and the agreement was mutual. On behalf of the board, he “wholeheartedly” wished Keelean success in the future and thanked her for her service to HPS.

The board voted 7-0 in favor of approved the separation agreement and appointing an interim superintendent.

Keelean signed a three-year contract with a base annual salary of $162,000 in late June. Keelean will receive the remainder of her salary for the 2021-22 school year, along with payout of annuity and unused vacation and sick days, Meyer said.

The district will also pay for health insurance for Keelean through August 2022, or until Keelean secures employment elsewhere.

Nick Cassidy, principal at Holland Middle School, was named the interim superintendent in Keelean’s absence. He will serve in that role until a search for a new leader is completed. The search for a new superintendent is expected to last through the end of the school year.

Holland Middle School principal Nick Cassidy assists with a technology distribution day in the spring of 2020. Cassidy was named the district's interim superintendent Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021.
Holland Middle School principal Nick Cassidy assists with a technology distribution day in the spring of 2020. Cassidy was named the district's interim superintendent Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021.

Cassidy said during the meeting he is “honored and humbled” that the board trusts him with the “opportunity and responsibility” to serve as interim superintendent.

Meyer’s full statement, along with an introduction to Cassidy as the interim superintendent, can be found on the HPS website.

Prior to coming to HPS, Keelean was the associate superintendent of school leadership and development in Waukegan Community Unit School District #60 in Waukegan, Illinois. She has experience as an educator in Chicago and Buffalo, New York, as well.

The board chose Keelean from among 21 applicants to replace Brian Davis, who announced his retirement in January and officially left the district June 30 after 13 years as superintendent.

More: Holland Public Schools officially hires Keelean as next superintendent

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More: Holland Schools to interview seven for superintendent position

Keelean was one of seven candidates selected for an interview by the HPS school board. Five of seven board members ranked Keelean in their top candidates following the first interviews.

Board members chose Keelean over Cedar Springs Superintendent Scott Smith in a 5-2 vote to advance to round two of interviews. Following the second round, Keelean was selected over Michael Pascoe in a 6-0 vote.

Holland Public Schools will begin a search for a new superintendent for the second time in less than a year. The search is expected to last throughout the remainder of the 2021-22 school year.
Holland Public Schools will begin a search for a new superintendent for the second time in less than a year. The search is expected to last throughout the remainder of the 2021-22 school year.

Prior to the final vote, four board members said they preferred Keelean, two board members indicated they were leaning toward Pascoe and one expressed interest in interviewing more candidates.

During the hiring process, board members were impressed with Keelean’s approach to diversity, equity and inclusion and being data-driven in decision making. They expressed concerns over her transitioning from working in other states to working in Michigan.

— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on Twitter @SentinelMitch.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Holland Public Schools parts with new superintendent after five months