Merritt replaces Meissen at helm of school district
After months of community speculation, gossip and rumor, Plymouth-Canton Assistant Superintendent Monica Merritt will immediately serves as interim superintendent, effectively replacing Michael Meissen, who joined the district as superintendent in March 2013.
In a special meeting Tuesday night – preceded by a closed session with the district’s attorney – the school board approved by unanimous vote a an administrative transition plan resolution that removes Meissen from leading day-to-day operations, but requires him to fulfill his contract through June 30, 2016. When hired in 2013, Meissen was awarded an annual $212,000 salary, plus benefits.
Meissen is the eighth superintendent the Plymouth-Canton district has had since 1994. The 21-year roster of superintendents began with Charles Little, who served for five years beginning in 1994. Other superintendents have included Kathleen Booher, James Ryan, Kenneth Jacobs, who served twice as superintendent pro tem, Craig Fiegel and Jeremy Hughes, who served as an interim for two years before Meissen was hired in 2013.
Simply announcing the administrative transition plan as an agenda item, board president John Barrett asked Nick Brandon, district community relations director, to read a statement announcing the changing of the guard. Brandon has worked closely with Meissen since his appointment to the community relations position earlier this year.
There was no discussion Tuesday night of the transition plan or of Merritt taking Meissen’s place at the helm of the school district. Board members did not provide reasons for the action, only to say in the resolution adopted that he was deemed an “effective superintendent.”
In addition to thanking Meissen for his work in the past two years, the statement called Merritt “a great administrator who can seamlessly take over the day-to-day operations of the district. In addition, Ms. Merritt is a resident and parent in the district, and she is clearly committed to the overall success and future of Plymouth-Canton Community Schools.
“The Board also feels very fortunate to have so many quality employees at all levels working within the district who will undoubtedly do an excellent job to ensure the administrative transition is as unified as possible. We thank all of you for your endless hard work and dedication to our students,” the board statement continued.
At the end of the meeting, Merritt said, “Thank you for this opportunity. I look forward to working with the team to ensure a smooth transition.”
Meissen, who was not at Tuesday’s board meeting, also issued a statement that said: “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools. I will work collaboratively with the BOE (board of education) and Educational Team to transition the district to new leadership and build upon the successful work that has been completed during our partnership together.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this exceptional school district and to serve these outstanding students, teachers, staff, principals, parents and community. It is my desire to pursue other educational leadership positions in public education that are compatible with family needs and priorities," Meissen’s statement said.
Following adoption of the transition plan resolution, a few board members publicly thanked Meissen and wished him well.
“A lot of dynamic progress has taken place,” Barrett said, concluding the meeting, which was followed by the evening’s second closed session.
jmaliszews@hometownlife.com | 248-396-6620 | Twitter: @jmaliszews