In an April 17 announcement, the Shaker Heights City Schools District named Dr. Stephen Wilkins to take up the post of interim superintendent. He will succeed current Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. 

Wilkins, currently assistant superintendent for business operations and human resources, will hold the interim superintendency from July 1, 2018 until June 30, 2019, when the new schools chief is chosen.

“The Board’s goal in selecting Dr. Wilkins is to ensure the continued smooth functioning of the District as we search for a permanent Superintendent,” Board of Education President Jeffrey Isaacs said. “We hope that the choice signals happiness with the overall direction of the Schools and that we don’t want to lose momentum as we continue to pursue the goals of the Strategic Plan.”

According to the district’s message, Wilkins “managed construction plans for the expenditure of the District’s $30 million bond issuance, streamlined transportation and custodial services to achieve operational efficiencies and updated human resource systems” in his current role. He also oversees food and nutrition services, talent management, school security, maintenance and master planning as assistant superintendent.

Wilkins graduated from West Point and served in the United States Army as a colonel. He earned a White House presidential badge for his service, including terms in the Pentagon and the White House. He has worked in the Chicago, Alexandria and Dekalb, Georgia public school districts before coming to Shaker. He holds a master’s in business administration from Harvard University.

Wilkins’ appointment will be presented to the Board of Education May 8 for approval.

“Dr. Wilkins’ management and H.R. experience, his knowledge of the district, and his ability to deal with complex organizations have all prepared him well to serve as the district’s interim leader,” Isaacs said.

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