December 6, 2024

On Tuesday, November 19, the Farmington Public Schools’ (FPS) Board of Education voted unanimously with a 6-0 vote to appoint Interim Superintendent Dr. Kelly Coffin as the District’s next superintendent. 

“The Board of Education is proud to announce Dr. Kelly Coffin as our new permanent superintendent,” stated FPS Board of Education President Terri Weems. “After thoughtful deliberation and robust discussion, it became clear that the best path forward for our district is one rooted in stability and curriculum and instruction. These are qualities and attributes that Dr. Coffin embodies.”

Weems shared information that was reviewed at the Superintendent Evaluation and Succession Planning Committee meeting that was held on November 10, 2024. The Committee reviewed survey feedback, discussed feedback related to qualifications for a superintendent, and discussed next steps and timing.

When reviewing the survey results as provided by Cobalt Community Research, it was important to note that the survey had in excess of 700 responses with approximately 250 respondents who left detailed comments. The written feedback was consistent with the survey with most people expressing a desire for stability, for consistency, for staying the course, for supporting an internal candidate, and for the current interim to be considered for the position.

“The feedback we received from our community reinforced the value of her leadership during her time as interim superintendent,” stated Weems. “Dr. Coffin knows our district, our people, and our systems, and she has already made significant strides in driving positive change and fostering accountability. The Board is committed to accelerating the progress we’ve seen in recent years, and support Dr. Coffin as the leader to help us achieve that. We are thrilled to have her officially join our team and look forward to working together to advance student achievement and success.” 

Dr. Coffin, who came to Farmington Public Schools in May 2020 to serve as the Assistant Superintendent of Innovation and Strategic Initiatives, has been serving as the District’s Interim Superintendent upon Dr. Delgado’s transition to a new position at Oakland Schools in September 2024. As a lifelong educator, she has served as a classroom teacher, building principal, and district leader.

Since coming to Farmington Public Schools, some of Dr. Coffin’s accomplishments include leading the District through a Strategic Planning Process, collaborating with staff and community members to develop the Profile of a Lifelong Learner and a new Mission and Vision, guiding all of the principals in the District, and creating a lens of innovation for all to filter decisions through to increase student achievement.

“I am honored to be selected to lead this amazing school community,” stated Coffin. “I look forward to continuing to collaborate with the Board of Education, our staff and educators, and our community members in providing the best education for our students and school experience for our families.”

Kelly Kaminski, principal of Warner Middle School, has been selected from a pool of candidates, to serve as the next Director of Human Resources for the District upon the retirement of Jeff Danziger on November 15. 

Kelly earned a Bachelor of Science from Western Michigan University and a Masters of Arts in Teaching with an endorsement in Middle-Level Teaching from the University of Michigan- Dearborn. She also completed the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals Administrative Certificate Program.

Kelly started her career as an elementary and middle school teacher in Wayne-Westland Community Schools. Throughout her career she served as an Intervention Specialist Coach and an elementary school administrator. She started in Farmington Public Schools in 2016 when she was hired as the principal of Warner Middle School.

Her tentative start date in the Human Resources and Talent Development Department was December 2, 2024.

“It has been a privilege and honor to serve these years in the Warner community,” stated Kelly. “I look forward to my new position in serving Farmington Public Schools’ students, staff, and families.”

We congratulate Kelly on her new role with the District! The District will be interviewing for the Warner principal position in the weeks ahead. 

Farmington Public Schools’ Board of Education Secretary, Mable Fox, has announced that she will be stepping down from the Board of Education effective Tuesday, December 3.  

In her letter to the Board, she stated, “I look forward to continuing to work with young people in new capacities, driven by the same passion that brought me to this work.” She added, “I wish the District nothing but success as you continue this important journey. Serving has been an honor, and I will always cherish this chapter of my life.”

Mable was elected to the Board of Education in 2020 with her term expiring in 2026. Mable has more than 30 years of experience in educational consulting throughout the State. She has provided professional development for teachers in adaptive/ assistive technology using data to inform teaching and learning. She is co-founder of Calvary Education Center and provides enrichment and STEM summer experiences for Metro-Detroit children. In 2009, Mable was honored as Mother of the Year by the Detroit Free Press featured article "A Mother's Heart" and recently received the Mother of the Year “Angel Award 2020” from Children Spa with Disabilities. She is a champion for children.

“I want to thank Mable Fox for her service and her passion for speaking up for what she believes in,” stated Board President Terri Weems. “I wish Mable all the best as she continues to be a leader in our community through different avenues.”

The Board of Education has 30 days to appoint an individual to fill Secretary Fox’s position. The Board will discuss the open position and possibly take action at the next Board of Education Meeting on Tuesday, December 17. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. and will be cablecast LIVE on youtube. 

On Tuesday, November 5, two community members were elected to serve on the Farmington Public Schools’ Board of Education.

For the two open six-year term seats, Claudia Heinrich was the top vote getter with 15,567 votes, followed closely by Thomas Hull with 12,654 votes. 

Heinrich will continue to serve on the FPS Board of Education while Thomas Hull will be a new addition to the Board of Education following the leave of Zach Rich who stepped down in July.

"We would like to thank all of those community members who were interested in serving on the school board," stated Interim Superintendent Kelly Coffin. "We look forward to continuing to work with Claudia Heinrich and welcoming Thomas Hull to the Board of Education."

Heinrich and Hull will be sworn in at the Tuesday, January 7, 2025 Board of Education Meeting.

Please join us in welcoming our new Board of Education members. 

Members of the Farmington Public Schools’ Communications Department recently received two Awards of Merit in the 2024 MSPRA Excellence Awards program. Staff members who worked on these projects are Diane Bauman, APR, Director of School/Community Relations & Pupil Accounting and Communication Specialists Julie Langdon and Courtney O’Hara.

Each year, MSPRA honors professionals who are positively impacting public education through strategic communication efforts, as well as the best work in school public relations. MSPRA's Excellence Awards recognize outstanding publications, digital media materials, and other public relations projects across 10 categories.

FPS earned an Award for Merit for outstanding achievement in the Marketing Materials category for its Schools of Choice Marketing Materials. This award was earned for the schools of choice campaign the District ran last year to spread awareness about the schools of choice window, increasing enrollment in the District.  

FPS earned a second Award of Merit for outstanding achievement in the Newsletter category for our UpDate Newsletter. The UpDate Newsletter is a printed newsletter that is sent via mail quarterly to all FPS families and community members that includes updates and highlights from across the District.

“We were excited to receive these two awards,” stated Bauman. “I am so lucky to work with such a talented team each day who work to tell the school district’s story.”

Farmington Public Schools will be honored for these awards in March 2025 at the annual MSPRA Conference in Traverse City, Michigan. 

Community Programming events at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital and Virtual

C.A.R.E. Program Virtual Classes

Tuesdays | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Virtual event

Free; registration required   

If you provide care for a loved one – parent, child, spouse, relative, neighbor or friend – join fellow caregivers.

Blood Drive

December 9 | 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. |Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital – Ravitz Atrium 

Give the gift of blood this winter. Appointments are preferred and can be made by calling 866-642-5663 or by scheduling here. Make sure to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating. Please bring a valid photo ID.

Enjoy Family Celebrations: Tips for Caregivers (Dementia-related)

December 9 | 12-1:30 p.m. | Virtual event

Free; registration required

The holidays are often filled with opportunities for togetherness, sharing, laughter and memories. But they can also bring stress, disappointment, and sadness. This program shares many tips for caregivers to help navigate the holidays.

Live with Detroit Opera

December 12| 2-3 p.m. | Virtual event

Free; Virtual online link • Meeting ID: 2420 130 1685; Passcode: DetroitOpera

Join Detroit Opera elite studio performers as they bring special opera and dance presentations into the hearts and homes of the Henry Ford Cancer community. This event is made possible by the David DiChiera Music Therapy Program, generously sponsored by the Marvin and Betty Danto Foundation.  

All About Advance Directives

December 16 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Virtual event

Free; registration required

During this FREE virtual session, participants will hear from a registered nurse specially trained in advance care planning. Participants will learn what an advance directive is; why it is important to have an advance directive; what a medical durable power of attorney is and has the authority to do; how to choose the right person for you; the legal requirements for an advance directive to be valid in Michigan; and we will have time for participants to ask questions. 

Art in Bloom

December 20 | 10-11:30 a.m. | Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital – Ravitz Atrium

Free; registration required

Unleash your creativity and embark on a transformative journey with Art in Bloom, Henry Ford Cancer's latest art therapy offering at Henry Ford West Bloomfield. This group offers a supportive environment where those diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones can engage in therapeutic art activities guided by a professional art therapist. Join us in discovering the healing power of art.

Mid-Day Meditation

Tuesdays | Noon-12:30 p.m.

Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital – Quiet Atrium

Free; no registration required

Restore, renew, and revitalize with 30 minutes of guided meditation and gentle seated yoga postures. Please arrive on time to enjoy the full benefits and to ensure the tranquility of this experience. Class space may be limited so please arrive early. No equipment necessary.

Yoga

Re-VITAlize

Tuesdays | 5:30-6:30 p.m. (There will not be class on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31.)

Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital – Yoga studio

$15; registration required

Restore, renew, and revitalize with a slow flow. Exhale out tension; inhale renewed energy. This class is designed to reduce stress with yoga postures, breathing, and meditation. Some experience with yoga is recommended, but not required.

Yoga for Wellness

Thursdays | 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital – Yoga Studio

$15; registration required

The therapeutic benefits of yoga improve strength and flexibility in body and mind. In addition to strengthening and improving elasticity of the muscles, yoga builds bone density and studies show that yoga improves lymphatic function, boosting the immune system. The use of yoga postures, breath work, and meditation are tools to move toward greater health and well-being.

Chair Yoga

Thursdays | Noon-1 p.m. 

Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital – Yoga Studio

$15; registration required

Join our certified yoga therapist for a series of seated yoga classes. Learn how adaptive yoga can improve respiration techniques and pain management.

Find Us in the Community

Women’s Health Presentation

December 12 | 12-1 p.m. |Birmingham Next Senior Center| 2121 Midvale Street, Birmingham

Free to members; $5 for non-members. Register here.

Join a women’s health presentation by Dr. John Leahy, an OB-GYN with Henry Ford Health. In the discussion, Dr. Leahy will cover recommended screening guidelines for annual gynecological exams and breast health and screening, as well as causes for concern.

Gray Matters Workshop: Sleep for Brain Health and Overall Wellness

December 18 | 1-2:30 p.m. | Jewish Family Service | 6555 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI

Register for this in-person event by emailing MindU@jfsdetroit.org

According to the National Council on Aging, an estimated 75% of older U.S. adults experience the effects of poor sleep. Join Henry Ford Health Nurse Practitioner Ashley Houghteling as she discusses the science and stages of sleep, the benefits of sleep for brain health and overall wellness, as well as good sleep hygiene practices with tips to improve sleep

We are so excited to have a combined marching band of FHS and NFHS students marching in the Light Up the Grand Parade on Saturday, December 7 as part of Holly Days. The Marching Band will be under the direction of Scott Cole, Band Director, Farmington STEAM Academy and Director, FUPE | Assistant MB Director, FHS. Thank you all who helped to make this happen!!

We would love to hear about your newsworthy events and activities including awards, honors, and accomplishments. Help us share your success stories in art, music, scholastics, athletics, drama, debate, CTE, IB, and more. We look forward to sharing your news!

Fill out the News Tip Form, HERE.

November 11, 2024

Farmington STEAM Academy application window open from December 2-9, 2024

November 11, 2024

Warner Middle School principal, Kelly Kaminski, selected as the District’s new Director of Human Resources

October 30, 2024

Farmington/Farmington Hills Education Foundation Hosts “A Toast to Education” on Friday November 15

33000 Freedom Road

Farmington, MI 48336

248.489.3349