Almost a year and a half after taking over Pontiac schools, Kimberly Leverette has had the interim title removed and will become the district’s permanent superintendent.

The school board approved a two-year contract by a 5-2 vote. Trustees Tanisha Miller and Jennifer Dooley voted against approval.

A motion by Miller to postpone the vote seeking “clarity” on questions asked during Leverette’s interview for the job last week failed by the same 5-2 margin.

Leverette’s salary will be $200,000 for the first year and $207,000 for the second year.

“Dr. Leverette, whatever the outcome, you have my support as we move forward,” Dooley said. “However, in good conscience I will not be voting ‘yes’ based on some things that did transpire at your interview evaluation.”

Leverette has been interim superintendent since she replaced Kelley Williams, who was placed on leave in January 2024. According to the terms of a separation agreement, Williams will remain in the district as Superintendent Emeritus until June 30.

“Under her leadership the district has seen measurable progress in curriculum alignment, instructional practices and student achievement,” Board President Anisha Hannah said in a statement before the vote. “During her tenure as interim superintendent, she has maintained strong relationships with staff, students and community stakeholders while continuing to advance the district’s academic and operational priorities.”

The vote to approve Leverette as superintendent came after the board voted to approve her evaluation, which was done earlier this year. She was given a rating of “effective” and the board voted 7-0 to accept the evaluation report.

Superintendent ratings can be “highly effective,” “effective,” “minimally effective,” or “ineffective” in annual evaluations by the school board.

“I look forward to us working together to advance student achievement,” Leverette told the board after the vote. “That is something that I have started doing in recent years, that is something that I have been doing my entire 29 year career and that is what I will stand on as we move forward.”

“It is a tall order to be a superintendent in the Pontiac school district and for anyone to take the helm of doing this job is courageous,” said former superintendent Williams. “I feel good about passing the baton to Dr. Kimberly Leverette.”

Leverette said in a letter released days after she took over the position as interim superintendent that the district “will not comment on personnel matters, therefore, no further comment will be made regarding Mrs. Williams’ leave.” The district has still not clarified the reason Williams was put on leave.

Williams served as the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction before being named as interim superintendent to replace Brian Dougherty, who resigned from Pontiac schools May 2013.

One month later Williams was approved for the permanent position by the school board.