Oxford Community Schools

Dear Oxford Community Schools Students and Parents,

As our last day of school approaches on Friday, June 10, I want to announce several important staffing changes that will take effect over the summer. These changes will help us maintain and strengthen our commitment to educational excellence and ensure every Oxford student is prepared to succeed. 

First, I’d like to announce that after more than 50 applicants with nine candidates invited to interview, current Oxford High School Principal Steven Wolf has been selected by a panel to become Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Instruction, a position that was vacated when I was selected to serve as Superintendent. Mr. Wolf brings 16 years of public education experience to his new role, and will oversee secondary level teaching and learning, Title programs, and our MYP and DP International Baccalaureate program. Prior to serving as principal of Oxford High School, he was a teacher for Wake County Public Schools, Assistant Principal for Wake County Public Schools, and Assistant Principal for Grosse Pointe Schools.

We are also fortunate to be welcoming two new hires to our community who will continue to prioritize student and staff health and safety. These two individuals were selected from many qualified candidates and we are excited to have them join our team.

Todd Barlass has been named our Executive Director of Student Services and Wellness, a new position which was inspired by staff, parent and student feedback and part of our 3-year plan to reclaim Oxford. Mr. Barlass has worked in public education for 22 years, previously serving as School Social Worker for Port Huron Area School District, L’Anse Creuse Public Schools, Birmingham Public Schools, and Algonac Community Schools. Most recently, Mr. Barlass served at the Multi-Tier Systems of Support Supervisor for Flint Community Schools. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Spring Arbor University with a major in psychology, a master’s degree from Wayne State University with a major in social work, and an Education Specialist degree from Oakland University with a major in school administration.

Additionally, Laura Azoni has been named our Recovery Coordinator another new position inspired by feedback from staff, families, and students as part of our 3-year plan. Mrs. Azoni has been working in clinical and residential therapy for over 10 years. She has held the positions of Assessment Clinician with Children’s Trauma Assessment Center, Residential Therapist with Methodist Children’s Home Society, Program Manager and Clinical Therapist Founder of Sanctuary Services, and School-Based Behavioral Psychotherapist with Henry Ford Health System. Mrs. Azoni has a master’s degree from Western Michigan University with a major in social work. She has also completed extensive professional training in her field including national certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing training, and Attachment, Regulation and Competency training.

With the vacancy at the high school, I have asked our current middle school principal, Dacia Beazley, to move to the high school principal position. She has graciously accepted this position and was quite honored with the trust we are putting in her. Many of you know Mrs. Beazley is beloved in our community and known for her commitment to helping all students succeed. She taught French at Handy and Western Intermediary schools before interning as an Assistant Principal at Handy Middle School. Mrs. Beazley served as Interim and Assistant Principal at Handy Middle School before she was hired as an Assistant Principal at Oxford Middle School in 2007. She has also served as Oxford High School Assistant Principal and has been Oxford Middle School principal since 2014.

In addition, I asked Brad Bigelow, current Clear Lake Elementary principal, to move to the middle school to become the middle school principal. Mr. Bigelow accepted this position with humility and excitement. Mr. Bigelow has an excellent reputation at Clear Lake and is known for his care and attention to his students and staff. Prior to his arrival at Clear Lake, Brad spent three years as an assistant principal at Oxford Middle School and several years teaching first and second grade students at Daniel Axford. In 2007, he participated in Oakland Schools Aspiring Principals’ Leadership Academy, which included a yearlong administrative internship.  

We are truly appreciative of Mrs. Beazley’s and Mr. Bigelow’s willingness to lead our two secondary buildings at this challenging time. We will provide an additional update when a candidate is selected to take over as principal for Clear Lake Elementary. I am confident we will find an excellent individual to lead Clear Lake.

Please join me in welcoming Todd Barlass and Laura Azoni to our Oxford Schools community and congratulating and thanking current team members taking on new positions and responsibilities to help our school district. It’s truly a testament to our team’s dedication, passion, and resilience.  Together, we are Oxford Strong.

Sincerely,