Kipp Beaudoin

HANCOCK — After interviewing the final two candidates for the Hancock Public Schools superintendent position, the Board of Education chose current principal Kipp Beaudoin for the position.

The process to choose a new superintendent began July 10 with four candidates, Mark Brenton, principal of Polk Elementary School in the Dearborn Heights School District No. 7, David Dyb, district administrator at the Iola-Scandanavia School District in Wisconsin, Howard Parmentier, superintendent, principal and athletic director for Chassell Township Schools, and Beaudoin, principal for Hancock Middle School and Hancock Central High School.

Beaudoin is a former Kingsford High School guidance counselor and a former principal at Niagara Public Schools in Wisconsin.

Beaudoin and Brenton were invited back for a second round of interviews.

Former Hancock Public Schools Superintendent Monica Healy retired on June 30 after 12 years in the position.

Board member Kevin Kalinec said both candidates were very good.

“Both candidates bring a lot to the table,” he said. “Mark (Brenton) seemed a little more polished.”

Board President Chuck Paoli said Beaudoin has solid knowledge of the district.

“We have a known entity,” he said. “We know where he stands, how he thinks, how he works.”

Member Randy Heinonen said Beaudoin knows the district well.

“Kipp is here,” he said. “Kipp has done a fine job on most accounts. It’s hard not to want to empower him to do more for the district.”

The vote to begin negotiations with Beaudoin was unanimous.

Kurt Hauglie’s email address is khauglie@mininggazette.com.