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Flint schools superintendent placed on administrative leave

steve carmody
/
Michigan Radio

The Flint public school district is beginning the search for a new superintendent.

Bilal Tawwab became Flint schools superintendent in 2015.His tenure has been dominated by the city’s tainted tap water crisis. Recent tests have shown lead levels remain high in several Flint schools.

Tawwab had planned to step down next year. But the board of education apparently decided not to wait.

Board President Diana Wright announced Tuesday Tawwab and two top district officials were on administrative leave.   

"The Board will take action tomorrow night during a special public board meeting regarding the appointment of a recommended interim superintendent, and will take the appropriate steps to begin the search process for a permanent superintendent.”

No reason has been given for the board’s decision to act to remove the trio at this time.

Tawwab, assistant superintendent Shawn Merriweather and general counsel Gwendolyn de Jongh will probably officially lose their jobs Wednesday when the board will meet to pick an interim superintendent.

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.
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