Superintendent Candidate Interviews: Meet Gary Richards

, superintendent of Imlay City Schools.

About 50 members of the community were present for Richards' interview Wednesday evening. Some teachers attended the interview, as did at least one elementary school principal, several parents and other members of the community.

On why he has applied for this position:

“I really do want to make a difference in the lives of young people," said Richards. “I am committed to being the best and to providing students with a world-class education.”

One goal he has for the district:

“You already have an outstanding school district," Richards said to the board. “It’s not my goal to come in and conduct wholesale changes – that would be a mistake.”

Instead, Richards says he wants to build on what the district has already accomplished and work on finding even more ways to improve.

On dealing with budget cuts:

In his own district, Richards said, “I have tried to bring everybody into the discussion, because this affects all of us.”

One unique way Richards said his district has saved money is by conserving energy. “In the first year, we saved over $100,000 just by working together” and shutting down computers, turning down the heat and unplugging everything, especially over break.

On maintaining diversity and understanding in the classroom:

“I think cultural diversity is absolutely critical," said Richards. "We’ve tried … to set very clear expectations that we will not allow disrespect. It’s very clear: our administrators and our teachers won’t allow it to take place.”

On community involvement:

“The superintendent really needs to be involved in the community, there’s no question about it. It’s important to be highly visible… and approachable.” Richards is a Rotarian and has served in the chamber of commerce.

Most memorable quote:

Richards, who used to work for a gas station, also used to have to clean the gas station bathrooms. "It was disgusting," he said.

“I had a decision I had to make back as a teen: Do a superficial job to get by, or keep cleaning, and I chose the latter. I decided I wanted to have the best-looking and cleanest restrooms in the state, bar none."

He added, "I determined that if you were on our vacation and you were headed north on M-15, you should stop at our gas station because they had the cleanest restrooms, and we had the best service.”

Tomorrow's interviews:

• 6 p.m. Thursday: Frederick Clarke, superintendent Albion Public Schools
• 7:30 p.m. Thursday: Paul DeAngelis, deputy superintendent for educational services, Birmingham Public Schools

The final round of interviews are scheduled for March 22, 24 and 25, starting at 7 p.m. at .

Members of the school community who have a question they would like addressed during the interview process are invited to fill out a comment card at the meetings this week. There will also be opportunity for public comment during next week's final round of interviews.