Saying that the district “is in a good place, even in the midst of a pandemic,” and following eight years at the helm for the Lakeshore Public School System, School Superintendent Phil Freeman has announced today, “with mixed emotions,” to his staff that he will retire at the end of the current school year.
The 34-year veteran educator, coach, administrator and more says he presented his letter of resignation to the President of the Lakeshore Public Schools Board of Education, Dr. Jason Beckrow, this morning and is expecting approval of that action at the board’s next meeting.
He says he’s making the announcement now, in order “to allow the Board an opportunity to begin the process to find a replacement to carry on the great work that we have begun.”
Freeman came to Lakeshore in 2013 after serving as a classroom teacher for 10 years, a middle school principal for 13 years, and an assistant superintendent for 2 years in the Detroit area.
Freeman earned his Bachelors Degree in Political Science from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, his Masters in Educational Administration from Wayne State University, and his Specialist Degree in Educational Administration from Oakland University.
Here is the letter that Freeman dispatched to the Lakeshore Public Schools staff today:
It is with heartfelt words that I write this letter to inform you that I have made the decision to retire at the conclusion of the 2020-2021 school year. I presented my letter of resignation to the Board President this morning and expect that it will be approved at the next regular Board of Education meeting.
I make this decision with mixed emotions after serving three different communities over the last 34 plus years as a coach, teacher, and administrator. I will never be able to fully express my appreciation to the Board of Education, the staff, and this community for offering me the opportunity to lead such an outstanding district and supporting my efforts over the past eight school years. It has been a privilege to work alongside the many talented Lakeshore administrators, teachers, students, community leaders, volunteers, parents and staff.
During my eight years in Lakeshore, I have never lost sight of the enormous responsibility entrusted to me and did all I could to protect and advance the community’s most important asset. As an educational leader, I’ve always believed that creating a positive culture in which students felt connected and supported as they grew both academically and emotionally was our most important job. This philosophy is embedded in the fabric of our district and community. Together, we have been able to build upon the strong traditions and commitment to excellence that defines Lakeshore Public Schools. I am confident that this work will be carried on.
Nothing exemplifies this commitment more than our work over the past twelve months. During this pandemic, I have been witness to dedicated professionals as they reimagined and reinvented how we teach and nurture students. The willingness to take risks and the collective effort that allowed Lakeshore to thrive during this pandemic is nothing short of inspiring. It is what sets us apart.
I announce my plans at this time to allow the Board an opportunity to begin the process to find a replacement to carry on the great work that we have begun. The District is in a good place, even in the midst of a pandemic, and should draw an outstanding group of candidates for the position of superintendent.
Marie and I will forever be grateful to the staff, students, and the community for welcoming us as one of their own right from the onset. Lakeshore quickly became home for us, and our years here will always be fondly remembered.
There is much still to accomplish over the coming months, and you can be assured that my commitment continues to assist the District in reaching its goals.
You will be receiving information from the Board in the coming days discussing next steps for the district.
Phil
Philip S. Freeman
Superintendent
Lakeshore Public Schools
School Board President Dr. Jason Beckrow shared his response: “Lakeshore Public Schools has been incredibly fortunate to have the leadership of Phil Freeman for the past eight academic years. He has been steadfast in so many ways, not the least of which includes soundly navigating the district during the COVID-19 pandemic. He leaves the district stronger than he found it and has cultivated an inspiring culture that will ensure Lakeshore’s success for years to come. Mr. Freeman has had an amazingly impactful career and we wish him all the best on a well deserved retirement.”
