Lewis-Lakin Will Become Royal Oak Superintendent on July 1

Royal Oak Schools' newly chosen leader will begin negotiations with the school board this week on his contract terms after officially accepting the superintendent position.

 Shawn Lewis-Lakin, who was, said by email over the weekend that he had accepted the position. 

“I am looking forward to meeting students, families, staff members, and community members in Royal Oak,” he wrote in the email.

Lewis-Lakin, the current superintendent of Manchester Schools, emphasized in his email that he currently is committed to leading the Manchester district.

“My commitment to serve as the superintendent of schools for the Manchester community extends through the end of June," he said. 

“Between now and then, I anticipate using some vacation days from Manchester to be in Royal to work with members of the School Board and Dr. Moline on transition issues, including participating in key leadership meetings and being introduced to community leaders.”

Marie Miller, adjunct consultant for the Michigan Association of School Boards, who was hired by the board to conduct the search for a new Royal Oak superintendent, said Lewis-Lakin would begin talks with the board this week to negotiate the terms of his employment contract.

Lewis-Lakin said Royal Oak is justifiably proud of its neighborhood schools, and that he looks forward to working with the community on the district's mission of creating a world-class system of learning for all students in Royal Oak.  

“Royal Oak is a great community, and its schools are the best choice for families who seek the very best education for their children,” he said.