Lake Fenton Begins Search for New Principal

While principal Jerry Kramer won't retire until the end June, school officials hope to have a recommendation for his replacement by the beginning of May.

A total of 41 candidates have applied for the job, which was posted Feb. 15 and will remain posted until March 18.

Kramer is leaving the school district after 27 years of service as an administrator, teacher and coach. The 61-year-old has been in education for 38 years.

"My wife already has a list of things for me to do," Kramer said.

"I'm trying to wrap things up and leave it in decent shape. I want to help with a smooth transition."

The board plans to pick six finalists from the pool of candidates and to conduct the first round of  interviews April 12 and 13. Lake Fenton superintendent Wayne Wright said each interview will last about an hour and candidates will be asked 20 to 25 questions. He added that two to four candidates will be selected for second round interviews on April 19 and 20.

The candidates will be interviewed by a seven-person team, which will include two board members, two administrators, two teachers and one parent. Another team, with the same makeup, but different people, will be established for the second round of interviews.

The group hopes to have a recommendation for the board on May 2.

"We are looking for someone who fits the needs of the high school," said Wright, who declined to go into detail until after the interview process.

Wright said the Board of Education will discuss the salary for the position in the coming weeks. He said Lake Fenton currently has the 13th largest district in the county and has the 13th highest principal salary. According to the 2009/2010 budget, the position paid a base salary of $92,000 in addition to benefits.

"I think we must remain competitive," Wright said.