Niles Community Schools announce public interviews for superintendent candidates

NILES, Mich. - The Niles Community Schools Board of Education announced public interviews for its four superintendent candidates starting on May 13.

Superintendent Dr. Dan Applegate is retiring after 10 years of service.

A new superintendent is anticipated to start in July.

Niles Schools officials say after receiving applications from 14 educators, the board has screened selected five candidates for interviews. Dr. Kelvin Butts has since withdrawn.

The public interviews will be held on May 13, 14, and 15, at 2120 20th Pl. in Niles.

Officials say the interviews are to provide an opportunity for community involvement.

UPDATE: Dr. Kelvin Butts, Superintendent of the Benton Harbor Area Schools, has withdrawn from consideration for the superintendent position.

The NEW interview schedule is below:

May 13 at 5:30 p.m. - Dr. Adam Burtsfield, Assistant Superintendent in Niles

May 13 at 7 p.m. - Cathy Bildhauser, Director of Curriculum, and Instruction in Michigan City, Ind.

May 14 at 5:30 p.m. - Raphael Rittenhouse, former Superintendent in Gull Lake

May 14 at 7 p.m. - Dr. Steven Hope, Director at FlexTech in Brighton