Dexter School Board Offers Contract to Former Riverview Superintendent

Students attending Dexter Community Schools will see a new smiling face greeting them when the district returns from Christmas break.

The Dexter Board of Education unanimously approved a decision to enter into contract negotiations with Dennis Desmarias as interim superintendent during its meeting on Monday.

The former superintendent of Riverview Community School District will officially begin a six-month contract with the district beginning Jan. 1, 2013. Desmarias will replace Mary Marshall, who was hired by Pentwater Public Schools in October.

"The superintendent search committee has been working with the Michigan Leadership Institution knowing that we need to have an interim position filled by January," trustee Julie Schumaker said. "The feedback we received meeting with Mr. Desmarias and talking with his references was very supportive. We're looking forward to his expertise."

Desmarais served in Riverview for 36 years, five as superintendent before retiring in June 2011.

"Denny genuinely likes people," Joe Romeo, president of the Dexter Education Association said. "He's someone the community will enjoy being around."

Board President Larry Cobler said the Michigan Leadership Institute will meet with members of the community on Dec. 19 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Creekside Intermediate School media center in order to gain input for its superintendent search.

The information will be used to help the board develop a job description for the open position. Cobler said the board hopes to complete interviews with candidates by the end of March.