School board releases names of superintendent finalists
The South Bend Community School Corporation released the names of the three finalists for superintendent.
Each candidate will join the Board of Trustees for a special meeting at the SBCSC administration building on the listed dates.
- Wednesday, May 11 at 5:30 p.m.: Dr Michael Meissen
- Thursday, May 12 at 5:30 p.m.: Dr Kenneth Spells
- Tuesday, May 17 at 5:30 p.m.: Dr Dean Gorrell
Superintendent Dr. Carole Schmidt is retiring at the end of the school year.
The following biographies were provided by South Bend Community School Corporation
Dr Michael Meissen
For the past three years, Dr. Meissen served as the superintendent for Plymouth Canton
Community Schools in Canton, MI. His term ends June, 2016. He previously served as
superintendent in Glenbard Township, IL. Dr. Meissen earned a bachelor’s of science in social welfare from University of Wisconsin in 1981. He earned a master’s degree in counseling and guidance from the University of Wisconsin in 1983 and a PhD in educational administration from the University of Wisconsin in 1990.
Dr Kenneth Spells
Dr. Spells is currently the superintendent with Alton School District in Alton, IL. He has held this position for 5 years, after serving 4 years as assistant superintendent in Alton. While serving in the Navy, Dr. Spells earned his bachelor’s degree in history and physical education from Fayetteville State University. He received a master’s degree in education from Eastern Illinois University in 2003 and a doctorate degree in educational leadership from Maryville University in 2010.
Dr Dean Gorrell
Dr. Gorrell currently serves as superintendent for the Verona Area School District in Verona, WI, a position he has held for 11 years. His first superintendent position was in Marshall School District, WI. Dr. Gorrell earned a bachelors of science in physics in 1985, a master’s degree in education in 1991, and a PhD in planning policy and leadership in 1999, all from the University of Iowa.