As the freshness of spring blooms, Carmel City Lifestyle got to reflect with the outgoing superintendent of Carmel Clay Schools, Michael Beresford, Ed.D. — affectionately known as “Dr. B” by students. The changing season feels symbolic as he prepares to close one chapter and begin another: retirement at the end of this school year.
Dr. B has served as superintendent for the past seven years, and each year he has selected a theme. For his final year, it’s “Love where you lead.” And as we talked, it became clear; he’s been leading with love his entire career.
Born and raised in Illinois, Dr. B began his career in education in Indiana at Benton Central Junior-Senior High School near Lafayette. Later while at Ben Davis High School, he earned his master’s degree in school counseling from Butler University.
Dr. B accepted a position at Hamilton Southeastern Schools, which at the time had just 824 students. He stayed for more than two decades, witnessing tremendous growth. As principal at Riverside School, he gained hands-on experience designing and constructing the school, hiring staff and developing leadership skills. From there, he transitioned to the central office, eventually becoming assistant superintendent. During this time, he also earned his doctorate of education from Ball State University.
In 2018, Dr. B took the helm at Carmel Clay Schools. During his first year, he managed the aftermath of a boiler room fire at Carmel High School.
The following year, Dr. B led the district through one of its most challenging periods: the COVID-19 pandemic. He oversaw the transition to virtual instruction in 2020, saying he's proud of how the district adapted in real-time.
“We were able to have a consistent program when schools were closed and kept it consistent when kids came back,” he says. He credits teachers and staff for stepping up as technology leaders, helping others navigate remote teaching.
Dr. B also played a central role in expanding and enhancing the district’s infrastructure. He oversaw the opening of two new state-of-the-art elementary school buildings, Carmel Elementary and Clay Center Elementary. Other notable achievements include the construction of a new natatorium to support Carmel’s robust swimming community as well as the Greyhound Activity Center at Carmel High School, a versatile facility used by the band, athletic teams and as a shelter during severe weather.
With characteristic humility, Dr. B says he’s most proud of the team around him. For example, a highlight of his time as superintendent remains working with CHS art students and DECA members to develop a new logo and mission statement: “Together We Achieve.”
“Accomplishment-wise, it is more of a ‘we’ not a ‘me,’ and I am really proud of what we have been able to do here,” he says.
Another achievement close to his heart is the successful passage of the Safety Referendum, which brought a school resource officer to every building in the district; now a national model.
“That was the first big rock — was to make sure we have the safest environment where kids can learn,” he says.
Family remains a central focus for Dr. B. He is married to Lori, a lifelong social worker dedicated to serving the elderly. The couple has three children, all of whom live out of state. Retirement will offer more time for travel and visits.
When asked what he’ll miss most, his answer is immediate: the kids. He hopes to be remembered as the “kid guy.”
“That is my favorite piece of it all; it is the people,” he says. “I have worked for kids my whole life.”
His personal mission is simple yet powerful: Every child should feel known and loved, be challenged appropriately and become a good human being.
“I want them to be good human beings of good character, who help one another, who tell the truth, who are respectful, all those skills that you need to be successful,” he says.
As he reflects on a lifetime of service, one thing is clear: Dr. B has truly loved where he led.
“I have absolutely loved being here,” he says. "On the first day of the job, I said I am the luckiest guy on the planet, and on my last day, I am still the luckiest guy on the planet."