North library to be named after former Superintendent C. Suzanne Klein

GROSSE POINTE WOODS — The Grosse Pointe Public School System’s longest-serving superintendent will be recognized in a public and permanent way.

The Grosse Pointe North High School Library/Media Center will be renamed the C. Suzanne Klein Library in honor of Klein, who served as superintendent from 1996 until her retirement in 2011. The library naming was discussed during a Sept. 12 Board of Education meeting and unanimously approved during a board meeting Sept. 26.

“She’s an educator’s educator, a leader’s leader,” board President Ahmed Ismail said during the Sept. 12 meeting. “She’s certainly worthy of the recognition. … I can’t say enough about her.”

Klein had a long and distinguished career with the GPPSS, starting as a development preschool teacher in 1970. She served as chair of the Teacher/Consultant Department from 1978 to 1984, assistant principal of Pierce Middle School from 1985 to 1986, assistant principal of Parcells Middle School from 1986 to 1987 and principal of Pierce Middle School from 1987 to 1990. She became a central office administrator when she was named director of instructional services, a post she held from 1991 to 1994. Klein was assistant superintendent for instructional services from 1994 to 1995.

Interim Superintendent Chris Fenton, who worked with Klein for years, called her a “magnificent leader.”

“I think this is a great honor for Dr. Klein,” Fenton said Sept. 12. “It’s a fitting tribute to her for her contributions to this district.”

Board member David Brumbaugh echoed that sentiment.

“People like Dr. Klein, you don’t meet every day,” Brumbaugh said Sept. 12.

Klein is an associate professor and the director of the Galileo Institute for Teacher Leadership at Oakland University, where Ismail said she trains superintendents. She has a doctorate in psychology and education from the University of Michigan.

“I enthusiastically support the resolution to name the library after her,” Board member Lisa Papas said Sept. 12. “She is an amazing woman — elegant, graceful, kind. … She led the district with amazing wisdom and grace.”

At press time, the board was awaiting completion of the new library signs before it scheduled a formal renaming ceremony at North with Klein.