The school board voted in an open meeting on Nov.19 to extend Superintendent Dr. Andrea Tuttle’s contract for an additional five years, ensuring annual raises and stipulating that she can only be terminated for just cause. In support of the extension, Board President Sean Cotton emphasizes Tuttle’s ability to unite the district.
Cotton believes Tuttle has helped to strengthen the district by addressing the COVID cliff budget, where federal funds had been used to cover operating expenses, and negotiating a two-year contract with the teachers union that passed with 97% approval.
“Her accomplishments, leadership and vision for the district have been transformative,” Cotton said. “To maintain continuity and stability in our district’s leadership, the board decided to extend her agreement to five years. The market for top-tier superintendents is highly competitive, and this extension ensures we retain her expertise and leadership.”
As the district leader, Tuttle stresses the importance of working in unison with the rest of the board in order to ensure transparency across the community.
“I have consistently demonstrated open and honest communication, ensuring that my actions align with my words,” Tuttle said. “As school leaders, we often face complex and sometimes controversial decisions. By working collaboratively and transparently, we ensure our focus remains on making the best decisions for our students while respecting the constraints of our budget. My unwavering commitment to upholding Grosse Pointe’s traditions while simultaneously equipping our students with the education and skills necessary to not only compete, but excel in a global marketplace, has been fundamental to building and maintaining trust.”
From a financial standpoint, North parent Colleen Hughes thinks board money could have been allocated to other places, such as paraprofessionals, instead of towards Tuttle’s contract.
“We do not have the money for that,” Hughes said. “Her contract should be based on how the board has run for the past two years. Her contract in no way shape or form should have been renewed.”
Even though senior Ash Balido believes the contract extension has come too soon, they hope Tuttle will fairly represent all of the community and stand out with a unique voice when needed, separate from the rest of the group.
“I hope she will be mindful of the needs of her district in the ways that the rest of the board is not,” Balido said. “I hope she will advocate for the parts of her district that may not have the ability to do it themselves.”
Cotton recognizes that there will be challenges but believes Tuttle’s leadership and ability to bring stakeholders together will allow the district to move forward. The community support shown by the passage of the sinking fund proves that schools can stay open and operate, which, according to Cotton, will be one of the largest challenges in the coming years.
“Like many school districts, we face challenges such as evolving educational needs, financial pressures and maintaining enrollment in a competitive landscape,” Cotton said. “Dr. Tuttle has already demonstrated her ability to navigate these complexities through strategic planning and a results-driven approach.”
