Birmingham Schools Administrator Named Finalist for Novi Superintendent Position

One of ’ own may be moving to Novi soon, with Deputy Superintendent for Educational Services Paul DeAngelis named as a finalist for the superintendent position for the Novi School District.

The Novi School Board named its finalists Jan. 13, the others of which include Christine Beardsley, superintendent of Oscoda Area Schools; Robert Brescia, president and CEO of St. Joseph Academy in Brownsville, TX; Shawn Lewis-Lakin, superintendent of Manchester Community Schools; and Steve Matthews, superintendent of Grand Ledge Public Schools.

DeAngelis, who has been with Birmingham Public Schools for five years, said he’s always aspired to be a superintendent. When the position opened in Novi last fall, he jumped at the opportunity.

“Novi is a great district, high student achievement, great staff, supportive community,” DeAngelis said. “All make Novi appealing.”

DeAngelis lives in White Lake, so he said the job change wouldn’t be hard on his routine. However, DeAngelis said he's been selective in his searches, trying to find the right position in the right school district.

“There are many superintendent positions currently open, and there have been several openings over the past few months,” he said.

DeAngelis was named a finalist for two superintendent positions in the fall—Waterford and Walled Lake—but doesn't have any other applications out at the moment besides the one in Novi.

As for his time in Birmingham, DeAngelis said the time spent working with Superintendent David Larson and Birmingham’s principals have been immensely rewarding.

“I think that I have helped our principals become better instructional leaders by providing them (with) the resources, professional development and support they need to be effective,” DeAngelis said. “And, this is what I like most about working in Birmingham. The principals are amazing leaders who make my job very rewarding.”

Even if he doesn't get the job, though, DeAngelis said he will be happy to stay in Birmingham without regrets.

"I love Birmingham, and I love the job I currently have," he said. "In fact, there is a part of me that thinks my current position is better than most superintendent positions."

DeAngelis interviews with the Novi school board at 8:45 tonight. Interviews conclude Jan. 22, and the board will conduct second interviews Jan. 25-29 to select a final candidate. The board will negotiate a contract with the new superintendent in February.