Rating him as “highly effective” on all counts, the Board of Trustees at Berrien RESA has given Superintendent Dr. Kevin Ivers a one-year contract extension which will now keep him on the job through the end of June in 2021.
During Berrien RESA’s Board of Education retreat held on Monday, April 30, 2018, the Berrien RESA Board conducted their annual performance review of Dr. Ivers. The Board evaluated their superintendent using an evaluation tool from the Michigan Association of School Boards which rated his performance in five areas; governance and board relations, stakeholder relations, employee relations, educational leadership, and operations and finance. Dr. Ivers received a “highly effective” rating in all areas measured.
That positive review resulted in an extension of Dr. Ivers’ current contract by one year, allowing him to continue to serve the District through June 30, 2021.
Sharon Kalling serves as President of the Board at Berrien RESA. She tells us, “Dr. Ivers continues to prove his leadership abilities.” She adds, “This is most evident in his efforts to support local school districts. Not only is Berrien RESA able to provide educational services for area students, but thanks to Dr. Ivers’ collaborative approach to shared services, we now are able to support schools with their business office, payroll, human resource, and technology needs.”
Over the last two years, Berrien RESA has expanded its non-academic services to a number of Berrien County school districts including Benton Harbor Area Schools, Bridgman Public Schools, Coloma Community Schools, River School, River Valley School District, Riverside School and Niles Community Schools.
The Board’s President says, “In addition to expanding our services, Dr. Ivers has led the charge when it comes to improving our facilities.” As proof, Kalling says, “We are renovating our 40-year old Blossomland Learning Center. Thanks to Kevin’s responsible fiscal management of district funds, we are making a number of building improvements without having to ask our community to support a bond.”
Now in his 18 years, Dr. Ivers began working for Berrien RESA in the fall of 2010. Previously, he had served 9 years as superintendent of Bridgman Public Schools. He attained his Ph.D. from Purdue University in 2008 and has over 35 years of educational experience.
