Leadership Transition Planned as Board Appoints Deputy Superintendent as Successor
FLINT – At its regular meeting held Monday, September 21, 2026, the Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD) Board of Education accepted Superintendent Dr. Steven Tunnicliff’s notice of intent to retire effective June 30, 2027. Subsequently, the GISD Board of Education unanimously appointed Deputy Superintendent Tricia Hill to serve as the district’s next superintendent, effective July 1, 2027.
Dr. Tunnicliff shared his retirement plans with the Board as part of a thoughtful succession planning process designed to provide stability and ensure continued momentum for GISD, its 21 constituent school districts and 13 public school academies, and the students, families and communities it serves.
“It has truly been my greatest professional honor to serve alongside the GISD Board of Education, our nearly 1,700 educators, local district superintendents, school leaders and our many partners throughout Genesee County,” said Dr. Tunnicliff. “I have been continually inspired by the commitment, collaboration and care of those who serve our students and communities.”
During Dr. Tunnicliff’s tenure, GISD has continued to develop state-of-the-art facilities and innovative programs serving learners from early childhood through early college, including expanded opportunities in special education and career and technical education. The district has also strengthened partnerships throughout Genesee County while continuing to focus on recruiting, retaining and supporting exceptional staff.
“GISD is strong because of the people who bring skill, compassion, patience, creativity and purpose to some of the most meaningful work in education,” Dr. Tunnicliff said. “I remain fully committed to the work ahead and I intend to finish strong.”
To support continuity and a smooth leadership transition, the Board of Education unanimously appointed Deputy Superintendent Tricia Hill as the district’s next superintendent.
“Mrs. Tricia Hill brings a deep understanding of GISD, our local school districts and the students and communities we serve,” said Richard Hill, president of the GISD Board of Education. “Her experience, leadership and commitment to public education make her exceptionally well prepared to lead GISD into the future. We are confident in her ability to build on the strong foundation already in place while continuing to move our organization forward.”
Hill brings more than 30 years of experience in public education. She began her career as an elementary teacher with Mt. Morris Consolidated Schools and spent twenty-one years serving the district in a variety of leadership roles, including superintendent, a position she held for five years. She joined GISD in 2016 as executive director of the Center for Countywide Programs and has served as deputy superintendent for the past six years. In that role, she has supported district operations, strategic initiatives, educational programs and partnerships benefiting students, educators, and school communities throughout Genesee County.
“I am honored by the Board of Education’s confidence in me and grateful for the opportunity to serve as GISD’s next superintendent,” said Tricia Hill. “GISD’s greatest strengths are the people and the partnerships that support student success across Genesee County. I look forward to working alongside Dr. Tunnicliff, our board, staff, local districts and community partners to build on GISD’s strong foundation and continue expanding opportunities for the students and families we serve.”
Hill holds teaching certifications from UM-Flint, a master’s degree from Marygrove University and a master’s degree in public administration, with a concentration in Education, from UM-Flint. Throughout her career, she has focused on improving student outcomes, strengthening organizational systems, developing leaders and fostering collaborative educational environments.
Dr. Tunnicliff will continue to lead GISD and work with the board, Mrs. Hill and the district’s leadership team to support a thoughtful and successful transition.
“While this announcement marks an important transition; it is not an ending to the work ahead,” Dr. Tunnicliff said. “We still have important goals to accomplish, students to support, partnerships to strengthen and opportunities to create. I am excited for the work still ahead and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving GISD and the Genesee County community.”
