Carmel Clay Schools Picks Local Educator To Be Next Superintendent

A familiar face in Hamilton County will be the next superintendent at Carmel Clay Schools. Michael Beresford takes the top position on July 1. He is an assistant superintendent at Hamilton Southeastern Schools in Fishers.

Beresford said he feels like “the luckiest guy on the planet” after the Carmel Clay School Board approved his hire this morning.

“You put your faith and trust in me, and I will not let you down,” he said. “I will build that trust and move forward with everything I have, to make that happen.”

Beresford has 35 years of education and school management experience. He’s been at  Hamilton Southeastern for 25 years and most recently served as assistant superintendent of staff and student support services.

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Carmel and Hamilton Southeastern school districts are similar in size and demographics. Carmel has around 16,000 students with about 11 percent receiving free or reduced lunch, compared to HSE’s 21,600 students enrolled this year with 15 percent receiving free or reduced lunch.

Both districts are rated an A by the state on the A-F accountability system. 

Beresford’s hire ends a seven month period where the district did not have a permanent acting superintendent.

Former Superintendent Nicholas Wahl was put on paid leave in October 2017  amidst an ongoing review of his leadership. Wahl resigned in mid-January. The Carmel Clay school board installed two interim leaders while the search for a replacement began.

Contact WFYI education reporter Eric Weddle at eweddle@wfyi.org or call (317) 614-0470. Follow on Twitter: @ericweddle.