HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Mar. 16, 2022) – It apparently didn’t take long for the Holland Board of Education to agree on a new district superintendent.
Shortly after conducting a final one-hour interview with Nick Cassidy on Wednesday night, the panel voted to immediately begin contract negotiations with him on taking over the operational leadership duties on a full time basis. Cassidy was named interim superintendent on Decemter 1st after the board and Shanie Keelean agreed to part ways just five months into her tenure.
“The board is excited about the future of Holland Public Schools with Nick Cassidy at the helm,” board president Liz Colburn said in a department statement. “Nick has demonstrated he is an exceptional leader and is dedicated to building strong relationships, creating a culture of collaboration and innovation, and putting students’ needs first.
“In the short time Nick has been the Interim Superintendent, he has led with a commitment to excellence and a collaborative spirit. He has shown he will do whatever is necessary to help the district thrive and does not shy away from rolling up his sleeves to work alongside his colleagues wherever he is needed.
“While Nick is well aware of the challenges facing HPS, he addresses them with positive energy and a problem-solving mindset. We are confident Nick is the right person to lead Holland Public Schools into the future.”
Unlike a year ago, when the district retained an outside firm to conduct a comprehensive search to replace Dr. Brian Davis, who ended his 13-year tenure as superintendent last June, the board decided earlier this month to look first at anyone currently employed by the district, and Cassidy was the only candidate to apply. He has spent nine years as an instructor and administrator with Holland Public Schools, and was the Holland Middle School Principal when he assumed the district’s leadership role on an interim basis.
“Over the last few months I have been so grateful for the support of the HPS staff and community,” Cassidy said in a department statement. “Their encouragement and belief in me as a leader has inspired me to take on this great responsibility. I am honored that the board has trusted me with this opportunity and I am excited to work with them and our staff to continue to push our district forward.”
District officials say that the board is hopeful to have a contract with Cassidy in place when the trustees hold a special 6 PM meeting on March 28th aimed at formally appointing him as the new superintendent.
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