The process to hire Milford’s next superintendent was in-depth and thorough, even despite the pandemic. The Board is meeting Thursday evening June 11 in executive session to deliberate and take the next step in the decision process. 

The first step the Board took in the search for Milford’s next leader was hiring Cheryl W. Ryan from the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) to assist in the search. Then, the Board implemented an open survey to parents and the community, asking for input on qualities they feel are most important for the next Superintendent. In total more than 600 responses were received.

A total of 24 individuals applied for the Superintendent position. The Board evaluated candidates based on the ideal profile developed from feedback received and the candidate's experiences and qualifications. The Board then chose nine individuals for first round interviews, and those were conducted via Zoom videoconference. Following these interviews, the Board met again and narrowed the list to three finalists for the position.

The three finalists are: 

• Michael Broadwater: Mr. Broadwater has been at Forest Hills Local Schools since 2012, and became the district's Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations and Human Resources in 2015. Mr. Broadwater is also an Adjunct Professor at The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences in the mathematics department. Prior to working as Forest Hills’ Assistant Superintendent, Mr. Broadwater was Principal of Anderson High School and Assistant Principal at Lakota East High school. He began his career in education working as a mathematics and computer science teacher for 13 years at North Royalton High School. He also served as Summer School Principal at North Royalton City School District for five years. 
  
  
• Kimberly Halley: Dr. Halley is the current Assistant Superintendent for Reynoldsburg City Schools, a role she has held for two years. Prior to working for Reynoldsburg, Dr. Halley served as the Senior Consultant for School Improvement for the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio in Columbus, was the Director of Elementary Education then the Chief Academic Officer at Hilliard City Schools, served in the Department of Teaching and Learning for Pickerington Local Schools, was the Regional School Improvement Facilitator for the State Support Team Region 11, and was Assistant Principal then Principal for Westfall Local Schools. She began her career in education working as a teacher for 11 years for Teays Valley Local School District in Ashville, Ohio. Dr. Halley earned her Doctorate of Education from Miami University. 
  
  
• John Spieser: Mr. Spieser is currently Director of Human Resources for Milford Exempted Village Schools, a role he has held for four years. Prior to becoming the Director of HR, Mr. Spieser worked for one year as the Director of Secondary Curriculum. Prior to that, Mr. Spieser was the Principal of Clark Montessori High School in Cincinnati, was Principal of the Glen Este Campus in West Clermont, Principal and Director of K-12 Curriculum for Little Miami Schools, Assistant Principal for Bethel-Tate High School, and Assistant Principal at Mason High School. He began his career in education working as a life science teacher for six years at Milford Junior High School. Mr. Spieser is also a member of Adjunct Faculty at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Education - Criminal Justice and Human Services.

While the Board worked to contact multiple references for each candidate, the three finalists completed an OSBA leadership assessment. On Monday, June 8, each finalist was interviewed for three hours with three different groups: 

• Group One - in-person interview and presentation to the Board of Education
• Group Two - Zoom videoconference interview with a panel of Milford school building Principals
• Group Three - Zoom videoconference interview with a panel of community, government, and business leaders.

At the conclusion of the two groups of Zoom interviews, the interview panels completed surveys evaluating each candidate and the results were provided to the Board. 

The Board will meet Thursday evening, June 11, in executive session to review all of the obtained information and data on each candidate and take the next step in their decision process. Once a final candidate has been selected, the Board will offer an employment contract. Should the chosen candidate accept the position, an announcement will be made and the Board will meet to formally appoint the next Milford Schools Superintendent.

“The depth and review this process created and the amount of data and information collected will allow the Board to make an informed decision,” said Christopher Hamm, Board of Education President.