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The superintendent of Carmel Clay Schools will retire next year. Michael Beresford announced his retirement Monday after leading the district for six years.
Assistant superintendent Tom Oestreich was chosen by the school board to become the next superintendent in July 2025.
In a press release, the district leaders celebrated Beresford’s work in improving academics and school district operations.
Carmel Clay consistently scored over the state average in standardized testing and student outcomes. Last year, nearly 99 percent of students graduated. And 93.4 percent of third graders met state literacy standards, compared with 81.9 percent of students statewide.
In a video, Beresford said he’s ready to retire.
“After much thought, and conversations with my wife, Lori, it just became clear that the timing was right to pass that baton over to the next leader of this amazing school district, and for us to go on to the next phase of our lives,” he said.
Beresford took on the role in 2018 after the previous superintendent, Nicholas Wahl, resigned following concerns over his leadership.
Beresford led the district through the COVID-19 pandemic and a period of increased scrutiny and vitriol against the district. Some community members who opposed mask mandates and believed that schools are promoting critical race theory—a theoretical framework that’s been conflated with diversity, equity and inclusion efforts—targeted Beresford and the district.
During the 2022 election, Beresford said the political narrative in the community against Carmel educators was false and insulting.
Carmel Clay is the state’s eighth largest school district, enrolling more than 16,000 students in Hamilton County at 11 elementary schools, three middle schools and one high school. Just 12.2 percent of district students qualified for free or reduced lunch last academic year.
Beresford previously served as an assistant superintendent at Hamilton Southeastern Schools. He will cap a 43-year career in education after the upcoming school year.
Oestreich, the next superintendent, began his 25-year career as an orchestra teacher. He currently manages Carmel Clay student and staff support services.
“Dr. Oestreich’s proven leadership and enthusiasm for this district is indisputable,” Kristin Kouka, school board president, said in a statement. “We are confident his institutional understanding and established relationships with staff make Dr. Oestreich the perfect next leader to uphold our tradition of excellence.”
The first day of school is Aug. 5 for the 2024-25 academic year.
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