MCC board to select first round of superintendent candidates next week

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief

SCOTTVILLE — The Mason County Central Board of Education will take the next step in its search for a new superintendent next week.

The board will select its first round of superintendent candidates during a special meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 23. The meeting will begin at 5 p.m. in the high school community room.

During the meeting, Michigan Leadership Institute search consultant Andy Ingall will present the list of applicants to the board. The deadline to apply for the position is Friday, April 17 at 4 p.m.

Board members are expected to select candidates to move forward to interviews and finalize questions for the first round during the April 23 session.

The superintendent search timeline includes:

• April 23, 2026: Special board meeting, 5 p.m., high school community room — presentation of candidates, selection of candidates to be interviewed, preparation for interviews and finalizing first-round questions.

• May 4 and 5, 2026: First round interviews, 5 p.m., high school community room — selection of finalists for second round interviews.

• May 18, 2026: Second round interviews, 5 p.m., high school community room — selection of candidate and entry into contract negotiations.

• May or June (or special meeting): Formal hiring of the new superintendent following contract negotiations.

• July 1: New superintendent begins duties.

The search follows the announced retirement of Superintendent Jeff Mount, who said he will conclude 27 years of service to the district effective June 30.

Mount has served as superintendent since 2006. A native of Greenville, he began his career at Ludington Area School District before joining Mason County Central in 1999 as a middle school assistant principal. He became middle school principal in 2001.

“It has truly been the honor of a lifetime to serve this district,” Mount said when announcing his retirement. “Over the years, I have had the privilege of working alongside an extraordinary staff whose dedication, professionalism, and care for students have never wavered.”

He also thanked the board of education for its support and leadership.

“I have been fortunate to work with board members who consistently put the needs of students first and who lead with integrity, collaboration, and a shared vision for excellence in education,” he said.

Mount was appointed superintendent shortly after passage of the district’s 2006 bond, which funded construction of the upper elementary building and additions to the high school, including a new competition gymnasium. Voters approved a 2.5-mill renewal of that bond last year, expected to generate $23.3 million for upgrades to the high school, safety and security improvements across campus and other projects.

Though retiring, Mount said he is willing to assist with ongoing bond work.

Mount is the sixth superintendent to serve the Scottville/Mason County Central district since 1934. Arnold O. Carlson led the district for 33 years as superintendent, retiring in 1967 after a total of 40 years of service. He was followed by Richard Weaver, who served 19 years until 1987, then Robert Redmond through 1992.

Bruce Smith served as superintendent from 1992 to 1999 after previously serving as high school principal. Chuck Sandro held the position from 1999 to 2006 before Mount’s appointment.

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