Peter Kudlak
Saline
Summary
Dynamic professional leader with extensive experience in curriculum and instruction, strategic planning, project management, and operational oversight. Proven ability to foster team collaboration and build strong relationships while driving results and adapting to evolving organizational needs. Expertise in resource allocation, safety protocols, and effective stakeholder communication enhances overall effectiveness. Recognized for reliability, exceptional problem-solving skills, and a steadfast commitment to achieving organizational goals.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Superintendent
Van Buren Public Schools, Belleville, MI
Belleville, MI
07.2016 - Current
- - Developed pathways through BHS that align with the State’s model
- - Brought robotics, GIS, mechatronics, cosmetology, NJROTC, and expanded AP offerings to BHS
- - Restructured MTSS systems in all schools
- - Increased staffing in social work and counseling while bringing in Leader in Me and Capturing Kids Hearts to reshape our student supports
- - Spearheaded two bond proposals: $77 million (2025) and $36 million (2019)
- - Constructed a new Early Childhood Center putting our youngest learners in an amazing learning space
- - Modernized district infrastructure by overseeing the renovation of several school buildings into 21st-century learning environments
- - Oversight of our budget that kept a 14% - 23% fund balance through three different Finance Directors
- - Built strong relationships with our various unions while settling multiple contracts and working through difficult situations
- - Implemented a comprehensive District Safety Strategy, including the establishment of a dedicated Director of School Safety role
- - Constructed an amazingly strong, diverse group of school and district administrators through developing our own and recruiting the top talent in the area
- - Cultivated strong partnerships with our five, local municipalities and rebuilt trust that had deteriorated within the community
- - Led the development and implementation of two 5-year Strategic Plans built on input from over 900 community stakeholders, focusing on academic excellence, inclusive learning, and career education
- - Implemented innovative health insurance cost saving measures - including an employee-only, health clinic
Assistant Superintendent
Milan Area Schools, Milan, MI
Milan, MI
07.2012 - 07.2016
- - Immersed in District planning surrounding budget, curriculum, staffing, negotiations, community engagement, public relations, major discipline, transportation, and strategic planning that have built trust and responsibility among the staff
- - As Federal and State Program Specialist, I streamlined our RtI support, professional learning structure, and summer programming resulting in increased achievement
- - Successfully negotiated contracts in three groups that have kept the School Board’s concept of new initiatives, staff salaries, and fund balance viable
- - Redesigned the School Improvement Process that created ownership, trust, and transparency among staff and stakeholders that was responsible for the selection of two Reward Schools and three Focus Schools to lose their status
- - Oversight of multiple curriculum implementations including elementary math, reading, writing; middle school math; and high school project-based learning infusion through the empowerment of teacher leaders
- - Developed an ongoing marketing plan to increase enrollment that resulted in a higher kindergarten capture rate
- - Coached and evaluated four dynamic principals that has been reflected by increased student achievement in all buildings
- - Four year Co-chair of EDD2020- the county Curriculum Leaders organization that sets ISD curriculum budget, plans and implements initiatives, and sets long and short-term visioning for student learning
- - Engaged community through participation in Rotary, community forums, key communicator meetings, curriculum nights, and school events
Director of Elementary Education
Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, Plymouth, MI
Plymouth, MI
07.2011 - 06.2012
- - Two-year member of the Negotiating Team using Interest-Based Bargaining to leverage win-win scenarios
- - Redesigned the teacher evaluation system to meet the new laws
- - Developed the All Day Kindergarten and the Young 5 programs with classroom teachers, secretaries, parents, and administrators
- - Designed a comprehensive and vertically-aligned K-12 World Language and K-12 Technology initiatives with dynamic stakeholder groups
- - Expanded the Gifted Education program while redefining the business rules for program acceptance causing a more authentic representation of students
- - Coached and Evaluated 16 building principals and two program directors
- - Facilitated all major discipline cases (teacher and student) at the elementary level
Elementary Principal
Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, Plymouth, MI
Plymouth, MI
07.2007 - 06.2011
- - Focused on adult learning around Four Blocks and RtI
- - Led the District Reading Specialists through a series of data trainings to better identify RtI students and measure their growth
- - Used diversity training and Culturally Relevant Teaching to close the racially-predictable achievement gap
Elementary Principal
Flat Rock Community Schools, Flat Rock, MI
Flat Rock, MI
07.2002 - 06.2007
- - Led a three-building math implementation
- - Started a district-wide Gifted Ed program that identified students in grades 2-5 and coordinated extension projects
- - Federal and State Program Specialist
- - Led the transition of moving third grade to a different building
- - Successfully passed a Sinking Fund
Teacher Grades 3 and 4
Ypsilanti Public Schools, Ypsilanti, MI
Ypsilanti, MI
09.1997 - 06.2002
- - Member of district-level committee that created a math, science, and technology academy
- - Math Committee Chair
- - Principal of the Summer School for two years
- - Founded and grant-funded 73-member Chess Club
Education
Post-Master Work - Educational Leadership
Eastern Michigan University
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
Eastern Michigan University
01.1999
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Ed & Psychology
Eastern Michigan University
01.1994
Skills
- Interest-Based Bargaining
- Adaptive Leadership
- Cognitive Coaching
- Assessment Literacy
- Project coordination
- Relationship building and management
- Leadership development
- Culturally-Responsive Education
Affiliations
- Michigan School Equity Caucus- President
- SET SEG Employee Benefits- Vice President
- K-12 Alliance of Michigan- Executive Board Member
- Van Buren Township LDFA- Vice Chairperson
- Wayne County School Superintendent’s Association- Past President
- AdvancED- Michigan Lead Evaluator
- Milan Rotary Club- Past President
- Michigan Chess Association- Past Board Member
Certification
- Elementary & Secondary (ES) School Administrator
- Professional Education Elementary K-5 all subjects, Mathematics (EX) 6-8, Social Studies (CX) 6-8
Timeline
Superintendent
Van Buren Public Schools, Belleville, MI
07.2016 - Current
Assistant Superintendent
Milan Area Schools, Milan, MI
07.2012 - 07.2016
Director of Elementary Education
Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, Plymouth, MI
07.2011 - 06.2012
Elementary Principal
Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, Plymouth, MI
07.2007 - 06.2011
Elementary Principal
Flat Rock Community Schools, Flat Rock, MI
07.2002 - 06.2007
Teacher Grades 3 and 4
Ypsilanti Public Schools, Ypsilanti, MI
09.1997 - 06.2002
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
Eastern Michigan University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Ed & Psychology
Eastern Michigan University
Post-Master Work - Educational Leadership
Eastern Michigan University
Quote
"Equality is leaving the door open for anyone who has the means to approach it; equity is ensuring there is a pathway to that door for those who need it." — Caroline Belden