Superintendent Tim Dettwiller announced Tuesday at the Board of Education meeting his plans to retire effective July 6, 2018 after serving Madison-Plains for nearly a decade.
Dettwiller was hired in 2014 to assume the district’s top spot. Prior to that, he was treasurer and chief financial officer for four years, a post he also held from 2000-2001.
“I spent a fair amount of time coming to this conclusion, but know this is the best decision for me and my family,” Dettwiller said. “The time is right.”
Dettwiller officially retired in 2016 but was rehired that summer to continue his role.
Board President Mark Mason said Dettwiller’s mark on Madison-Plains is impressionable.
“Madison-Plains has made significant academic strides under Tim’s direction,” he said. "His dedication and work ethic has been an asset to the district. He's established a culture in which everyone strived to make Madison-Plains the best possible school district.”
Mason said the timing of Dettwiller’s announcement will allow the Board to seek a replacement who can continue moving the district forward. The departure, he said, is no way connected to the recent resignation of a coach despite some in the community who assert that claim.
“We look forward to new opportunities for Madison-Plains, but to make that connection is entirely unfair to Tim’s commitment to the district.”
Board member Kelly Cooley served as the board’s president when Dettwiller was hired to take the district’s helm. She said she and her colleagues have always had the upmost respect for Dettwiller and is disappointed his proven track record is mired by recent incidents.
“Tim’s standout ability to think critically, identify solutions and build relationships have been remarkable,” she said. “We gave him lofty goals when we hired him in 2014 and even loftier ones in 2016. He never failed to meet our challenges.”
Some of Dettwiller’s accomplishments during his tenure are:
Raising the standard of performance expected of staff through a formal evaluation system. Furthermore, beginning the development of curriculum maps and guides to create clear teaching expectations, and establishing a professional development plan for staff training.
Re-defining the Madison-Plains Improvement Plan to narrow the district’s focus to two unique academic goals.
Creating of the district’s 10-year financial plan.
Restructuring the administrative staff from 4 principals to 2 principals with 2 assistant principals for economical and operational gains.
Implementing the Positive Behavior Interventions System (PBIS) for students while training teachers to utilize strategies (PAX) that help students learn important self-management skills.
Opening lines of communication with the staff through District Voices meetings during which the Superintendent hears directly about issues important to the employees.
Establishing a Board Policy Review committee that meets monthly to research and recommend policy changes and address public concerns about current policies.
Improving safety on campus by installing building cameras, parking lights, revamping traffic patterns, and installing curbs, speed bumps and striping.
Engaging local community leaders by attending meetings, participating in local events and supporting their unique goals through, but not limited to, parades, race/walks, Council meetings, Chamber membership, ground breaking events and prayer breakfasts.
The Board has not announced its plans to search for a new superintendent.