Search firm chosen for new schools superintendent

The Birmingham Schools Board of Education on Tuesday, July 24, selected Hazard Young Attea Associates to provide the services necessary to conduct a search for its next superintendent, following the retirement of superintendent Dr. Daniel Nerad. Nerad retired June 30, after six years with the district. A native of Wisconsin, he announced he would move back to his home state, where he still has family. At the June 5 board meeting, the school board named John Silveri as interim superintendent. Silveri, who retired in 2015 as superintendent of the Waterford School District, has been with Birmingham Public Schools since, as both interim assistant superintendent for human resources and interim deputy superintendent for school administration. “We believe that as an experienced educational leader and someone who knows our community and culture, Mr. Silveri will provide a seamless leadership transition for our district in the year ahead,” the board announced on June 5. Hazard Young Attea is a national search firm that recruits, develops and retains leaders in order to improve student outcomes. “Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA), takes a research-based approach to matching the right leader with the goals and priorities of the school system and its community. Our disciplined and inclusive approach to community engagement ensures all stakeholders have the opportunity to be part of the search process,” they state on their website. Anne Cron, interim director of communications and family engagement for the district, said the timeline for the search has not yet been determined. More information may be provided at the next board meeting, on August 21. “There will be outreach to the school community around the beginning of the school year, which begins the Tuesday after Labor Day,” Cron said.