The Flint school district needs a new superintendent. Larry Watkins announced today he's retiring.
During Watkins’ two years as interim schools superintendent, the Flint school district has seen its budget deficit grow (from $4 million to nearly $22 million), staff laid off and enrollment continue to decline.
But Watkins says improvements have been made, academically and structurally, putting the district on more solid ground than when he took over.
At his retirement announcement, Watkins praised the district’s staff.
“I saw first-hand how everyone in Flint schools kept working hard despite tough times,” says Watkins.
School Board president Isaiah Oliver says Watkins’ departure will not hurt plans to turn the district around.
“We’re at a great time to make this transition and to bring in someone else on who can bring us to the next level,” says Oliver.
Oliver says the Board of Education plans to hire a search firm to help it find a new superintendent.
Watkins will remain with the district until a new superintendent is hired.
