Michigan public school superintendent with questionable resume fired after failing to verify academic credentials

A recently hired public school superintendent in Michigan was fired after a deadline to provide verification of her academic credentials passed.

Heather Thompson-Luznak was hired in September 2023 by the New Lothrop Area Public Schools Board of Education, reported the Tri-County Citizen.

At the time, she claimed to have a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, a PhD in curriculum and instruction and advanced degrees in psychology. Previously, she served as principal at a pre-K-8 academy in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The New Lothrop district said at the time of Thompson-Luznak’s hire that she was part of “an inclusive process” that included “numerous community members, parent[s], and staff.”  

“Additionally, administrators, faculty, staff, and parents provided input following a series of structured stakeholder conversations,” said the statement from the district. “Community members provided immediate feedback to board members during preliminary and final face-to-face candidate interviews. The Board of Education appreciates the district’s citizens and staff support of the process.”  

However, questions quickly came up about Thompson-Luznak’s job performance, which led to questions about her academic qualifications.  

Lothrop resident Cindy Gillie told local ABC News 12 that teachers and staff were leaving because Thompson-Luznak caused “disarray” in the district.  

“I would hate to see more of them leaving because of someone who may or may not be qualified for the position,” she told News 12.  

Thompson-Luznak declined to speak to the station on the record but she did send a school administrator certificate to the local news station, which verified it with the Michigan Department of Education. 

“I would like to see some more transparency,” Gillie told the ABC affiliate. “I would like someone to own up to who did the background check. I would like to put her on leave so she doesn’t continue to cause disarray in our school district until they figure out what is going on.”   

Gillie complained to News 12 that the school board wouldn’t address the issue at a March meeting when Thompson-Luznak failed to attend and address the charges. 

It’s not the first time that the educator failed to defend herself in an official setting. 

The Argus Press reported on May 13 that Thompson-Luznak was sued for insurance fraud in Saginaw County, after an insurance company alleged a letter in support of a $7,000 claim filed by her in 2015 was bogus.  

In that case, the court agreed with the insurance company and allowed treble damages, a $23,460 judgment against Thompson-Luznak.   

Because she no-showed for the court dates, a civil warrant was issued for her which allows the court to detain someone pending the posting of bond or a satisfactory settlement of the case, said the Argus Press.  

Prior to her dismissal, the New Lothrop Area Public Schools Board of Education met again and voted unanimously to require Thompson-Luznak to submit her official transcripts and degrees no later than May 17, according to the Argus Press. 

She was then put on “non-disciplinary leave” until June 5, the Tri-County Citizen reported. 

When she failed to show up for a June 6 meeting with her transcripts and degrees, the district terminated her contract. 

“I am relieved that we got to the point that we were able to terminate her contract,” Board President Richard White told local ABC News 12.