Okemos School Board Narrows Search for New Superintendent

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The Okemos school board is moving forward with six superintendent interviews to find the next leader of the local school district. The candidates include Lori Haven, superintendent of Perry Public Schools, and Matt Stuard, superintendent of Fowlerville Community Schools. Interviews will be held February 23-25 at Okemos High School, as current Superintendent John J. Hood is set to retire in March 2026 after 30 years with the district.

Why it matters

The selection of a new superintendent is a critical decision for any school district, as the superintendent plays a pivotal role in setting the vision, priorities, and direction for the entire school system. This transition in Okemos comes after three decades of leadership under the retiring Superintendent Hood.

The details

The Okemos school board has narrowed down the search for its next superintendent to six candidates, including two current superintendents from neighboring districts - Lori Haven of Perry Public Schools and Matt Stuard of Fowlerville Community Schools. The finalist interviews will take place over three days, February 23-25, at the Okemos High School library, with the first interviews each day starting at 5:30 p.m.

• Current Okemos Public Schools Superintendent John J. Hood will retire in March 2026 after thirty years of service with the district.
• Candidate interviews will be held Feb. 23-25 at the Okemos High School library.

What’s next

The Okemos school board will select the new superintendent after the finalist interviews on February 23-25.