School Board Seeks Community Input in Superintendent Search

CEDAR SPRINGS — Cedar Springs Public Schools is inviting students, families, staff and community members to take part in a series of Community Listening Sessions on Wednesday, Aug. 19, as the district begins its search for its next superintendent.

The sessions are intended to give the community a voice in the selection process by sharing thoughts on the qualities, skills and priorities they would like to see in the next leader of Cedar Springs Public Schools. Feedback gathered during the meetings will help guide the Board of Education as it moves through the superintendent search process.

The search follows the announcement that current Superintendent Scott Smith will retire after nearly nine years of service to the district. Smith first joined Cedar Springs Public Schools in 2018 and will continue serving through the remainder of his tenure until Dec. 31, 2026.

The listening sessions will be held at the Cedar Springs District Office and Early Childhood Center. Staff will direct attendees, who are asked to enter through Door 11, to the appropriate conference room.

Three sessions will be available throughout the day to accommodate different schedules:

8 a.m.: Parents and community members

3 p.m.: Open community drop-in session

6 to 7 p.m.: Parents and community members

The sessions will be facilitated by Mark Dobias, a consultant with the Michigan Association of School Boards.

District leaders said they are committed to a thoughtful and transparent process that reflects the values of Cedar Springs Public Schools and includes input from students, staff, families and the broader community.

Community feedback will help the Board of Education identify the leadership characteristics most important for the district’s next superintendent, including the priorities residents believe should guide Cedar Springs Public Schools in the years ahead.

Those who attend will have the opportunity to share what they value in district leadership and what they hope to see as Cedar Springs prepares for its next chapter.

For more information, and to see the full schedule for this event, please visit https://buff.ly/cCgSAPu