Interim superintendent appointed at Hazel Park Public Schools

HAZEL PARK — An investigation is underway at the Hazel Park Public Schools, looking into whether violations of board policy occurred under Amy Kruppe, the superintendent.

In the meantime, Kruppe has been placed on non-disciplinary paid administrative leave, per a unanimous 7-0 decision by the HPPS Board of Education on Jan. 27.

Since then, an interim superintendent has been appointed to fill her role. Catherine Cost was approved for the temporary position, 4-3, during the board meeting Feb. 3.

Voting in favor of Cost were Beverly Hinton, board president; Deborah Laframboise, board vice president; Darrin Fox, board secretary; and Heidi Fortress, board treasurer. The three opposing votes were trustees April Beaton, Nathan Becker and Monica Rattee. The group was divided on whether the selection process was thorough enough.

Cost began serving as the interim superintendent the very next day, Feb. 4. She brings with her nearly nine years of experience as superintendent of Wyandotte Public Schools.

Her history also includes eight years as assistant superintendent of Farmington Public Schools and six years as principal of Troy Athens High, as well as four years as an assistant principal and five years as a math teacher, both in Farmington Public Schools.

The Oakland Intermediate Schools helped the board determine Cost as a potential candidate. Prior to her becoming interim superintendent, the acting superintendent had been Tammy McHenry, principal at Hazel Park High School.

As for the investigation, Hinton declined to offer specifics about possible violations, but she said that it’s entirely possible Kruppe will return to her position once the findings are complete.

When pressed further, Hinton deferred to Nicole Hunter at the Allen Law Firm, which is handling the investigation. Hunter did not return a request for comment by press time.

For her part, Kruppe also declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.

“I cannot speak regarding the non-disciplinary leave,” Kruppe said. “I can tell you only as a community member of Hazel Park that Hazel Park is a great place to work and to go to school.”

In a statement by the district, Hinton said that the board remains committed to transparency, and will provide updates as the investigation progresses.

“While the district is undergoing some change, the Board remains optimistic, and will be guided by our fiduciary duty to protect and educate our students as they pursue their goals,” Hinton stated. “The Board appreciates all feedback from the school community and the families that we serve.”

In an interview after the meeting, Hinton said she’s confident the board will resolve the matter, and that the investigation won’t negatively impact school operations.

“We have very committed staff and teachers here at the district. We really do. I’m confident that our schools are running just fine because of our staff. They wouldn’t let the kids down,” she said. “There may be ups and downs sometimes, but I know I can count on them.

“The students, of course, always come first,” Hinton continued. “Parents should know that they can count on us to be attentive to their needs. And again, if parents want to reach out to us with any questions or concerns they may have, they’re welcome to do so. I just want them to feel reassured that we’re working through this, and it will work out.”