Likely still reeling from the decision last week of Lapeer School Superintendent Matthew Wandrie to withdraw from his selection four months ago to replace retiring Superintendent Dr. Kevin Ivers, the Berrien RESA Board of Education has pivoted quickly to appoint Eric Hoppstock for that role.
During a special Board of Education meeting held today, the Berrien RESA Board unanimously appointed Eric Hoppstock, Assistant Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer, to be the district’s next superintendent. Hoppstock will assume his new role on July 1.
For over three decades, Hoppstock has provided educational services to schools and students across Berrien County. Beginning his career at Berrien RESA in 1987, he was a school psychologist, went on to become the supervisor of the district’s Special Education Department and most recently became the district’s Assistant Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer. Eric has also served as a state and national leader, helping shape special education legislation and policy.
Berrien RESA Board of Education President Cathy Bair says, “Eric has already been leading the district for a number of years,” and adds, “His in-depth educational background, understanding of ISD-level operations, his management skills and his leadership abilities will serve our staff and constituents well. I am excited to watch our district thrive under Eric’s innovative and visionary style of leadership. I am confident he will do an exceptional job.”
Dr. Kevin Ivers, Berrien RESA’s current leader, will retire effective June 30. He has served as the superintendent for 10 years.
Just last Thursday, Wandie informed the board he would not take the offer to replace Ivers after all, saying “it has become abundantly clear that staying in Lapeer is what is best for me and my family.”
In a letter received last Wednesday, Wandrie said, “It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that I have made the difficult decision to remain in my current position as Superintendent of Lapeer Community Schools,” adding, “Being considered and ultimately offered the job of leading Berrien RESA is one of the great honors of my life, but it has become abundantly clear that staying in Lapeer is what is best for me and my family.”
While the Berrien RESA board said they were disappointed, they respected Wandrie’s decision, and got back to work on finding Ivers replacement, making that announcement this morning.
