Tecumseh Public Schools is proud to announce the retirement of Superintendent Richard W. Hilderley following the conclusion of the 2023-24 school year.
Superintendent Hilderley has been a guiding force during unprecedented challenges and has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout his tenure, particularly during the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It has been an honor to serve a district that has put so much faith in my abilities over the years,” said Superintendent Rick Hilderley. “I am proud of my career here, and the stability we have established will allow for this careful and thoughtful transition.”
Becoming superintendent in October 2019, Mr. Hilderley took the reins at a crucial juncture, navigating the school district through uncertainty. His steadfast commitment to educational excellence and his unwavering dedication to the students, parents, and educators within Tecumseh Public Schools has left a lasting mark on the community.
“On behalf of the Board of Education, we want to congratulate Mr. Hilderley on his decision to retire at the end of the 2034-2024 school year. The board is extremely thankful for the hard work and dedication Mr. Hilderley has given our district over the past five years,” said Board of Education president Tony Rebottaro. “He was able to come into an extremely tough situation and lead Tecumseh Public Schools back to a position of growth.”
During his tenure, Superintendent Hilderley helped create a long-term Strategic Plan, redesigned the curriculum, saw an increase in test scores, added new offerings in computer programming, and strengthened the music and athletic programs.
Superintendent Hilderley spent most of his decorated professional career here at TPS, starting in 1988 when he student-taught in the district. He was a middle school teacher throughout most of the 1990s before becoming principal at the Herrick Park and Patterson buildings. After that, Superintendent Hilderley led Tecumseh Middle School as principal from 2005-2017. Before rejoining TPS, his first test as a superintendent was with Bronson Community Schools for two and a half years. Now, Superintendent Hilderley is ready for the next chapter of his life.
“Family has always been a priority. Now, however, I am looking forward to it being my only priority,” Superintendent Hilderley said.
As Superintendent Hilderley embarks on the next chapter of his life, the district looks forward to celebrating his accomplishments and wishing him well in all his future endeavors.
As for what’s next, the Board of Education will immediately begin finding the next superintendent of Tecumseh Public Schools. This process will involve a Presearch Workshop organized by the Michigan Association of School Boards to enhance the district’s understanding of the new superintendent hiring process.
Starting in January 2024, the board will work with a professional firm to assist in the search for a new superintendent. This schedule will allow TPS to find a new leader in advance, facilitating a seamless transition in collaboration with Mr. Hilderley.
“I want to assure the staff and community that even though Mr. Hilderley will be leaving at the end of the school year, we will keep our foot on the gas and continue implementing the Strategic Plan,” said Rebottaro.