Tri-City Sun

The Midland Public Schools District acknowledged two pending retirements at a recent board meeting.

School board member Lynn Baker announced that she would be leaving the board early, before her term ends on Dec. 31st, 2024. Baker thanked everyone who supported her along the way and her continual love for everyone in the district.

“When I was elected to a one-year term in 2001, I never dreamed it would be the beginning of 22 years proudly serving the Midland community,” she said.

Baker added that it was an honor to serve under three superintendents, numerous board members and administrators who brought their own unique talents to Midland Public Schools.

“I have met hundreds of teachers, staff and students who leave me with many fond memories,” said Baker. “These years have seen many challenges, changes and celebrations. But the students' best interests always came first. As education continues to change and the future, I believe, will continue to thrive under this focus and its strong leadership.”

The board also made a motion to create a search committee for a new candidate for their superintendent, as Michael Sharrow had decided to retire from the district.

Sharrow announced his last day of employment will be July 31, with just over ten full years.

“I feel blessed to have served the past 10 years as MTS's superintendent,” he said. “I will end my career knowing I made decisions based on what was best for students. I never shied away from making difficult decisions and always with an eye on student achievement. Not all decisions were popular or with perfection, but made with students' interest first.”

His retirement marks the end of his 39-year career in education where he has worked as a teacher, coach, principal and superintendent.

In closing, he acknowledged some of the high points of his time at the district such as bringing in energy-efficient buildings, new kitchens, gyms, libraries, a newly built STEM school, upgraded community centers, and expanded curriculum and extracurricular opportunities.  

“Not all decisions were popular or with perfection, but made with students' interest first,” said Sharrow. “As many of you know, I loved to message through storytelling, and I can only imagine the opportunities for storytelling you have about me when I leave. A few final words. All school leaders and Board of Education members need to get themselves a dog and preferably a Labrador retriever. No matter what kind of day you have when you get home, you have at least one full fan of support.”

He added that he hoped the community, and society in general, would engage each other with more civility and grace as “political grudges in politics do not belong in education.”

The board will likely appoint an interim superintendent for the time being, as a full-time replacement or Sharrow can take up to eight months.