Thursday, December 9, 2021

School superintendent announces retirement

Mary Kay Gallagher
Superintendent of the Northville Public Schools Mary Kay Gallagher will retire at the end of the 2021 school year.

Gallagher publicly announced her plans to leave the district where she has been an educator and administrator for 37 years in a letter to parents posted last week. Gallagher, who has been the superintendent of the district for a decade, is credited with successfully leading Northville schools through the effects of the COVID pandemic and the approval of a $104.85 million bon proposal.  

"It is with mixed emotion and a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to learn, lead and grow with this tremendous school community that I notify you of my intent to retire," Gallagher's letter read. 

"Throughout these past 37 years, I have had the honor of working with and learning from a tremendous cadre of educators, mentors, colleagues, board members, staff, parents, families, community partners, and perhaps most of all, our students ... who have inspired me, challenged me to grow as an educator and a human being, and have contributed to Northville Public Schools' longstanding tradition of excellence."

Gallagher began her career in education in 1985 and she has served as an early childhood program coordinator, principal of Moraine Elementary School, assistant superintendent for instructional services and, since 2011, as superintendent. She earned both her bachelor's degree in elementary education and teaching in 1983 and her master of arts degree in educational administration in 1988 from Michigan State University.

 Gallagher said she was making the early announcement in an effort to provide ample time for the board of education to conduct a thorough selection process and leadership transition.