It appears neighboring school districts are tapping into the administrative talent at Hamilton Southeastern when searching for a new superintendent.  First it was Beth Niedermeyer, an assistant school superintendent at Hamilton Southeasern, hired by Noblesville as superintendent in June of 2014.  Now, it’s Mike Beresford’s turn, as he was announced Friday morning as the new superintendent for the Carmel Clay Schools.

“You’ve put your faith and trust in me,” Dr. Beresford told Carmel school officials.  “I will not let you down.  I will build that trust and move forward with everything I have to make that happen.”

Beresford said he feels like he’s “been chosen to be the manager of the (New York) Yankees when they had every good player in the league,” because of the stellar reputation of the Carmel Clay School District.

During the next 100 days, Beresford plans to conduct what he calls a listening tour, and says he will seek out students, administrators, teachers, community people, police, fire, city and anyone that will talk to him.  He wants to find out “what makes Carmel Clay Schools tick.”

Dr. Beresford is to start his new Carmel job July 1st.  His contract calls for a base salary of $170,000 a year with pay increases tied to the board’s evaluation.  The pact also includes a deferred compensation retirement savings plan, a $500 monthly allowance for auto and travel expense and a $100 per month technology allowance.

The hiring will become official after a public hearing on the new contract and an official vote by the Carmel Clay School Board later this month.