February 24, 2025
The Michigan School for the Deaf is proud to announce the two finalists for the Head of School position. Selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants, these candidates were chosen by a dedicated Search Committee of MSD leadership, MSD staff, parents, students, and alumni.
Finalist Campus Visit
On March 3, 2025, the finalists will visit the Michigan School for the Deaf. During their visit, they will engage in an additional interview round, and tour the campus to learn firsthand about our vibrant community. The finalists will have the opportunity to interact with students and staff during the campus tour.
Community Forum and Presentation Event
We warmly invite the entire Michigan School for the Deaf community to join us for the finalist presentations and Q&A session:
- Date: March 3, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM EST
- Location: Michigan School for the Deaf Jeter Center
Following each presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to provide feedback through a survey. While we strongly encourage in-person attendance to support this important process, a live stream will be available for those unable to join us on campus.
SPACE IS LIMITED! You must RSVP. Anyone who shows up without an RSVP will be seated in the overflow room to watch the live-stream option.
RSVP: Please complete the RSVP form at this link https://forms.gle/zf4HjX4YC9dJGAXq8 by 5:00 PM on Thursday, February 27, 2025, indicating whether you will attend in person or require the live-stream link.
If you want to submit a question for the candidates, please complete the form at https://forms.gle/PvyxpfXme2MMKMMCA by Thursday, February 27, 2025.
Innivee Strategies is honored to partner with the Michigan School for the Deaf in this pivotal process, reflecting their shared commitment to advancing excellence in deaf education.
Learn More About the Finalists
Details about each finalist, including their photos and bios, are provided below:
Rayburn Boland
Rayburn Boland is a distinguished leader with over 30 years of dedicated service in deaf education. His career began as a classroom teacher, where he spent 15 years inspiring and guiding students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Notably, he taught English to middle school students at the Alabama School for the Deaf for seven years, laying a strong foundation for his journey in educational leadership.
Transitioning from teaching to administration, Mr. Boland built an exceptional reputation as a principal and educational leader in deaf education. He has held principal roles at several deaf schools across Indiana, Louisiana, New York, and Arkansas. His extensive experience and unwavering commitment have made him a passionate advocate for high educational standards for deaf students. Beyond his leadership roles, he has also overseen sports programs and cultural initiatives, including the Arkansas Deaf Heritage Center, showcasing his dedication to fostering well-rounded student experiences.
Rayburn’s passion for education extends beyond the classroom. He completed advanced studies in educational leadership at Gallaudet University and earned an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree. Currently, he is pursuing his Doctorate in Education at Capella University, with an anticipated graduation in Winter 2025, further underscoring his dedication to advancing the field of deaf education.
Mr. Boland’s influence reaches far beyond his local community. As the Executive Director of the National American Sign Language Education of Heritage Language Learners, he champions the promotion of American Sign Language education nationwide. Additionally, he is collaborating with Lyon College to establish an innovative training program for future teachers of deaf students, reinforcing his commitment to the next generation of educators.
Rayburn Boland’s unwavering dedication to deaf education is evident in every aspect of his work. Colleagues and students alike admire his vast knowledge, infectious enthusiasm, and commitment to creating positive, inclusive school environments. His inspiring leadership continues to leave a lasting impact on the field of deaf education.
Dr. Michele Handley
Dr. Michele Handley is a distinguished leader in deaf education with over 27 years of experience serving students with sensory disabilities and more than 12 years in educational leadership. She began her career in public education as an interpreter, teacher, and district leader before transitioning to administrative roles. Dr. Handley spent 11 years in administration at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind before assuming her current position as Superintendent of the Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf in 2018. In this role, she has spearheaded strategic improvements in legal and policy compliance, campus operations, school culture, and academic quality.
In addition to her leadership roles, Dr. Handley has worked as an independent consultant and adjunct professor, contributing to the field through research on reading comprehension and behavior strategies. Her academic credentials include a Doctorate in Special Education with an emphasis on Deafness from the University of Northern Colorado, a Master’s degree in Deaf Education from Georgia State University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Georgia. She has also completed certificate programs in ASL interpreting and the education of students who are deafblind.
Dr. Handley is deeply committed to fostering inclusive environments that empower professionals to pursue excellence and inspire the success of all students. Her passion and dedication continue to drive transformative change in the field of deaf education.
