The Dexter Community Schools Board of Education is pleased to announce the selection of Ryan Bruder to be the next Superintendent of Dexter Community Schools upon the retirement of Dr. Chris Timmis in February, 2026. Mr. Bruder began his career with Dexter Community Schools in 2016 as the Principal of Bates Elementary School. Later, he moved with the Bates staff to Beacon Elementary as the Principal and currently serves as the Executive Director of Instruction. Mr. Bruder is also a Dexter High School alumnus.
The Board of Education’s search for a new Superintendent has been timely and thorough. Following Dr. Timmis’s May announcement, the Board engaged Dr. John Silveri of Michigan Leadership Institute (MLI) to assist with the search. In addition to a community-wide survey asking what qualities staff, students, and families value in a superintendent, MLI hosted in-person forums where various groups of stakeholders asked questions about the process and offered input. In addition to the formal opportunities for feedback, trustees fielded a considerable number of individual contacts regarding the search. Because the District had three highly qualified and experienced internal candidates, the Board decided to interview them before looking elsewhere. First-round interviews were held July 14th and 15th. On July 16, the Board had an MLI- facilitated discussion of the candidates’ strengths and experience, and selected two candidates for second interviews. On July 21st, second-round interviews took place. These included a 20-minute presentation from each candidate on their vision for the District. July 22nd, the Board met to discuss the candidates again, and ultimately selected Ryan Bruder as their choice.
The Board will now begin the process of writing and negotiating a contract and will take formal action to hire Ryan Bruder at its August 11, 2025 regular meeting. At that time, the District will share additional details about Mr. Bruder and his vision for the District, as well as transition plans.
Full search information and meeting recordings can be found on the District’s Superintendent Search page (https://www.dexterschools.
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