By Steve Stiffler
The Engadine Consolidated Schools (ECS) Board of Education is moving quickly to fill its superintendent vacancy following the resignation of Superintendent Andrew Alvesteffer. Alvesteffer will leave the district July 17 to become the next superintendent with Montabella Community Schools in lower Michigan.
Alvesteffer, who has served the district for nearly five years, told the board his decision was driven by a desire to move closer to family.
“This is a really great school. I just want you guys to know this. I’ve been very supported by all of you on the staff and on the board as well. Thank you because each one of you has brought a skill set to me that helped me become a better leader.” said Alvesteffer as he finished his final report.
To ensure a smooth transition, the board is conducting its own superintendent search rather than hiring an outside agency.
The board plans to review applications June 24, then conduct interviews July 1, with the goal of making a hiring decision at the next board meeting on July 15. The public is invited to attend the application review and interviews that will be held in the Community Room at 6 p.m.
Board members also approved the district’s 2026-27 budget and several funding initiatives. A $53,000 grant received for security will fund the installation of 16 new surveillance cameras with audio and motion detection capabilities. Any remaining grant funds will be used on possibly buying new entrance doors. The board also approved spending $39,000 in food service funds for kitchen equipment and a new vending machine.
Alvesteffer reported that the district is in the final step of the process for a massive grant from the Michigan Department of Education. He noted that the state’s request for financial information is a “good sign” that they may receive a full or partial grant. The full grant would be worth nearly $8.1 million dollars. SiteLogiQ has been hired to help ECS acquire the grant.
In other business, Alvesteffer reported the district acquired more than 80 pieces of school furniture from Les Cheneaux Schools for $900.
“If we had bought that furniture new, it would have cost between $20,000 to $25,000. So $900 is a pretty darn good deal,” said Alvesteffer.
