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Forest Hills Public Schools selects new superintendent

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Forest Hills Public Schools

Benjamin Kirby is replacing Dan Behm, who served as FHPS superintendent for 17 years before announcing his retirement in March of last year

The Forest Hills Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday night to enter into contract negotiations with Benjamin Kirby as the next superintendent. The school district serves roughly 10,000 students.

Kirby has served as the Lake Orion Community Schools superintendent since 2020. Prior to that, he was assistant superintendent in South Lyon for two years and associate superintendent in Ionia for eleven years. He also spent nine years as a principal and assistant principal at various Ionia schools and taught middle school in the Central Montcalm School District.

During one of his interviews, Kirby stated that he values relationships, teamwork, and listening to people, and says that collaborating with students, staff, parents, and businesses is important. He says he’s excited to lead FHPS and looks forward to the future.

Kirby is replacing Dan Behm, who served as FHPS superintendent for 17 years before announcing his retirement in March of last year.

A subcommittee met with Kirby after Tuesday night’s board meeting, working to finalize a contract.

He is expected to officially begin July 1st.

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Dave joined WGVU Public Media in November of 2023 after eighteen years as a Michigan Association of Broadcasters Emmy-nominated photojournalist and editor at Grand Rapids' WOOD TV8 and three years at WEYI TV25 in Flint, Michigan. As a General Assignment Reporter, Dave covers daily news and community events all over West Michigan.