Birmingham Administrator Survives First Round of Cuts for Grosse Pointe Position

Michael Jon Dean, assistant superintendent for human resources with , was one of three people selected by the Grosse Pointe Schools Board of Education as a finalist for that district's superintendent position.

School to ask Dean to return for a second interview.

Board member Joan Dindoffer motioned to bring three of the candidates back, saying she would specifically like to learn more about Dean and a second candidate, Richard Machesky, assistant superintendent of Troy Public Schools. Tom Harwood, assistant superintendent for human resources for Grosse Pointe Schools, was the third candidate asked to return.

Board member John Steininger voiced concern about a tactic used by Dean during recent labor negotiations. During those negotiations, Dean returned a portion of original concessions agreed to by some of Birmingham's unions after the district received information about several less-than-certain funding sources. Considering the rocky road the state is likely going to doll out to school districts, Steininger said he wouldn't have been so quick to return the concessions.

The next step in the selection process is an introduction to the community slated for July 11 and 12. The board hopes to have a final candidate selected and to begin contract negotiations by July 18.