Birmingham schools superintendent resigns
By Lisa Brody
Birmingham Public Schools Superintendent Mark Dziatczak submitted a resignation to the board of education at its meeting Tuesday, February 23, effective immediately, following an extended medical leave of absence which began in October 2020.
Interim Superintendent George Heitsch will continue in his role through the end of the 2020-2021 school year. Heitsch retired after being superintendent of the Farmington and Avondale school districts.
The board of education stated it will immediately begin the superintendent search process and has sent requests for proposals to superintendent search firms.
Dziatczak joined the district in January 2019, following a search process when former superintendent Dr. Daniel Nerad retired after six years with the district. Dziatczak came from the Troy School District, where he was most recently the deputy superintendent for teaching and learning.
“I want to express my gratitude to the BPS community for its support during a challenging time for me and my family. I have been doing well and will make a full recovery, however a return in the immediate future will not be possible,” Dziatczak said in a statement to the board. “As I focus on my continued health as well as the immediate needs within BPS, I have made the difficult decision to resign from my position effective February 23, 2021. This decision will allow BPS to begin the task of finding the next superintendent as soon as possible who can provide focused leadership and prepare for the summer, upcoming school year and beyond. I am grateful to the Board of Education for its support, as well as the numerous new friends I gained in the BPS community.”
“It has been an honor to serve with Mr. Dziatczak,” said Kim Whitman, president of the Birmingham Public Schools Board of Education. “His work to bring long -erm financial support to the district through the $195 million bond and Headlee Amendment, as well as his enthusiasm and support for our students and staff, will have a lasting, positive impact on our district. We wish him good health and sincerely thank him for serving our district.”
