Head of School Executive Search Archives (May 2024- February 2025)
Michigan School for the Deaf Announces Head of School Finalists
February 24, 2025
The Michigan School for the Deaf is proud to announce the two finalists for the Head of School position. Selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants, these candidates were chosen by a dedicated Search Committee of MSD leadership, MSD staff, parents, students, and alumni.
Finalist Campus Visit
On March 3, 2025, the finalists will visit the Michigan School for the Deaf. During their visit, they will engage in an additional interview round, and tour the campus to learn firsthand about our vibrant community. The finalists will have the opportunity to interact with students and staff during the campus tour.
Community Forum and Presentation Event
We warmly invite the entire Michigan School for the Deaf community to join us for the finalist presentations and Q&A session:
● Date: March 3, 2025
● Time: 6:00 PM EST
● Location: Michigan School for the Deaf Jeter Center
Following each presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to provide feedback through a survey. While we strongly encourage in-person attendance to support this important process, a live stream will be available for those unable to join us on campus.
SPACE IS LIMITED! You must RSVP. Anyone who shows up without an RSVP will be seated in the overflow room to watch the live-stream option.
RSVP: https://forms.gle/zf4HjX4YC9dJGAXq8 by 5:00 PM on Thursday, February 27, 2025, indicating whether you will attend in person or require the live-stream link.
If you want to submit a question for the candidates, please complete the form at https://forms.gle/PvyxpfXme2MMKMMCA by Thursday, February 27, 2025.
Innivee Strategies is honored to partner with the Michigan School for the Deaf in this pivotal process, reflecting their shared commitment to advancing excellence in deaf education.
Learn More About the Finalists
Details about each finalist, including their photos and bios, are provided below:
Rayburn Boland
Rayburn Boland is a distinguished leader with over 30 years of dedicated service in deaf education. His career began as a classroom teacher, where he spent 15 years inspiring and guiding students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Notably, he taught English to middle school students at the Alabama School for the Deaf for seven years, laying a strong foundation for his journey in educational leadership.
Transitioning from teaching to administration, Mr. Boland built an exceptional reputation as a principal and educational leader in deaf education. He has held principal roles at several deaf schools across Indiana, Louisiana, New York, and Arkansas. His extensive experience and unwavering commitment have made him a passionate advocate for high educational standards for deaf students. Beyond his leadership roles, he has also overseen sports programs and cultural initiatives, including the Arkansas Deaf Heritage Center, showcasing his dedication to fostering well-rounded student experiences.
Rayburn’s passion for education extends beyond the classroom. He completed advanced studies in educational leadership at Gallaudet University and earned an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree. Currently, he is pursuing his Doctorate in Education at Capella University, with an anticipated graduation in Winter 2025, further underscoring his dedication to advancing the field of deaf education.
Mr. Boland’s influence reaches far beyond his local community. As the Executive Director of the National American Sign Language Education of Heritage Language Learners, he champions the promotion of American Sign Language education nationwide. Additionally, he is collaborating with Lyon College to establish an innovative training program for future teachers of deaf students, reinforcing his commitment to the next generation of educators.
Rayburn Boland’s unwavering dedication to deaf education is evident in every aspect of his work. Colleagues and students alike admire his vast knowledge, infectious enthusiasm, and commitment to creating positive, inclusive school environments. His inspiring leadership continues to leave a lasting impact on the field of deaf education.
Dr. Michele Handley
Dr. Michele Handley is a distinguished leader in deaf education with over 27 years of experience serving students with sensory disabilities and more than 12 years in educational leadership. She began her career in public education as an interpreter, teacher, and district leader before transitioning to administrative roles. Dr. Handley spent 11 years in administration at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind before assuming her current position as Superintendent of the Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf in 2018. In this role, she has spearheaded strategic improvements in legal and policy compliance, campus operations, school culture, and academic quality.
In addition to her leadership roles, Dr. Handley has worked as an independent consultant and adjunct professor, contributing to the field through research on reading comprehension and behavior strategies. Her academic credentials include a Doctorate in Special Education with an emphasis on Deafness from the University of Northern Colorado, a Master’s degree in Deaf Education from Georgia State University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Georgia. She has also completed certificate programs in ASL interpreting and the education of students who are deafblind.
Dr. Handley is deeply committed to fostering inclusive environments that empower professionals to pursue excellence and inspire the success of all students. Her passion and dedication continue to drive transformative change in the field of deaf education.
Schedule of Events
Anti-Bias Training for Search Committee February 6, 2025
Round 1 Interviews February 10 – 14, 2025
Round 2 Interviews March 3, 2025
Open Community Forum and Candidate Presentations March 3, 2025 Evening
Application Window for MSD's Head of School Closed January 1, 2025.
Prospectus: MSD Head of School
Search Committee Members
Search Committee Members:
Rosemary Langevin, Parent of MSD Students
Claire Roberts, Alumnus, MSD Teacher
Rex Vernon, MSD Principal
Maeve Allen, MSD 11th Grade Student
Max Beaver, MSD 8th Grade Student
Teri Rink, MDE Director of Special Education
Rebecca McIntyre, MDE Assistant Director of Special Education
Yuliette Parks, MSD Residential Staff
Marianne Belsky, Alumnus and Community Member
Tom Lam, Sibling and MSD School Social Worker
Camille Jeter Lorello, Alumnus and Community Member
Previous Updates:
MSD and Innivee Strategies have met with various stakeholders in focus groups. This is the first step in the search for a Head of School for MSD. Stay tuned for new updates coming soon!
Initial Announcement for MSD's Head of School Search
ASL Version of Head of School Search Announcement (below)
Michigan School for the Deaf and Innivee Strategies Announce Search for a Head of School
May 31, 2024
The Michigan School for the Deaf is excited to announce a partnership with Innivee Strategies, a prominent Deaf-led leadership and organizational development firm, to lead the search for a new Head of School.
Renowned for their expertise in Deaf-led leadership and organizational development, Innivee Strategies will bring their experience to this critical recruitment effort. Their impressive history of successful searches for organizations and educational institutions makes them exceptionally qualified to find the perfect Head of School for Michigan School for the Deaf.
“We are grateful for Innivee Strategies’ support as we strive to better serve the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community at the Michigan School for the Deaf,” said Rebecca McIntyre, Assistant Director, Office of Special Education, Michigan Department of Education. “We eagerly anticipate welcoming a visionary leader who will drive innovation, promote inclusive education, and highlight the unique talents of our students.”
“Innivee Strategies is honored to work with Michigan School for the Deaf to engage the school and its staff, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing students and community in coming together to identify the leader who will set the direction of the future for the school,” said Shane Feldman, CEO of Innivee Strategies. “The chosen candidate will be instrumental in serving the diverse needs of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community and advancing the school’s mission.”
Stay tuned for updates on this position by following the Michigan School for the Deaf and Innivee Strategies on social media.
About Michigan School for the Deaf
Michigan School for the Deaf (MSD) is a bilingual school, with a residential component, for students who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH). MSD provides a language rich environment in the least restrictive environment for students who are DHH, guaranteeing each student a free appropriate public education (FAPE). MSD ensures academic and social excellence - rich in ASL and English literacy for all students from infancy to graduation. An American Sign Language (ASL)/English bilingual approach is used to support the acquisition, development, and use of ASL and English. Students are placed at MSD through the individualized education program (IEP) process by their resident school district and either attend school as a day student or live residentially. All students are transported to MSD by their local school districts. Students whose families choose for them to live residentially through the week are immersed in deaf culture and participate in student life opportunities to develop self-advocacy, personal growth, leadership, and teamwork. MSD staff work collectively to empower students with a positive deaf identity so when they graduate from MSD each student will possess knowledge, confidence, and leadership to become contributing citizens in a diverse, technological, and democratic society.
About Innivee Strategies, Inc.
Innivee Strategies, Inc. provides organizations with systemic frameworks that enable them to build a strong strategic direction toward their desired vision. We engage leaders and stakeholders in collaborating together to choose the best governance model, set leadership, staff, and volunteer expectations, align and optimize resources, and manage change. Innivee Strategies is a leading search firm in the recruitment and placement of executives and leaders of organizations that serve the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Our services also include Effective Governance, Organizational Assessment, Strategic Planning, Change Management, Executive Support Systems, Leadership Development, and Guided Facilitation. Please visit www.innivee.com to learn about our clients and their testimonies about how our services have benefited their organizations.