Chippewa Hills interim superintendent shares message amid transition

MECOSTA COUNTY — Following the quick departure of former Chippewa Hills School District Superintendent Bob Grover, Interim Superintendent Michelle Newman is sharing a message and her priorities as the community moves forward.

The leadership change was announced April 30 in a statement from school board President Anthony Gibson, and Newman moved to quickly respond to the district’s needs.

Newman’s entire educational career was spent at CHSD. She initially started as a special education teacher at the elementary level before transferring to a science and math position in a high school resource room.

In 2006, Newman had the opportunity to interview for the position of assistant principal and special education coordinator at the high school.

Two years later, Director John Zolynsky retired and Newman applied in hopes of bringing stability and consistency to the building.

“Sixteen years later, here we are,” Newman said.

Newman said the next step for the district would be to conduct a search for a superintendent to fill the role.

“I had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Grover and Mr. Gibson (on May 2) and discuss urgent matters that need to be addressed immediately,” Newman said. “In addition to these items, I will be available to the community, students and my administrative team to meet their needs. »

In addition to serving as interim superintendent, Newman continues to fulfill her responsibilities as director and coordinator of special education.

“My efforts will focus first on our students and staff to ensure administrative changes have no impact on our programming,” Newman said. “I believe in a shared leadership model. Our administrative staff meetings will continue to be held and used to gather information on various questions/needs/ideas from my team. Using a more collaborative approach will allow me to make informed decisions, benefiting everyone involved.

Newman said she wanted to convey a message of unity, collaboration and commitment to excellence to our staff, students, parents and community members.

“To all the staff: thank you for your dedication and hard work this year,” Newman said. “I appreciate your passion and commitment to the success of our students at every level. To students: You are the heart of our schools. You inspire us to do better every day. I hope you take advantage of every opportunity given to you to grow and learn.

“To parents: your partnership is invaluable,” she said. “As we search for the next superintendent, I will listen to your concerns, communicate openly, and ensure that all children receive the support and resources they need to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

“To community members: your support and involvement are essential to building strong schools that benefit everyone,” she said. “I encourage you to reach out to your building leaders to find ways to get involved and invest in our youth. Our students are quite impressive humans and would benefit greatly from your ideas, talents, and resources as we strive to achieve our mission: to prepare each student to become a respectful, interdependent, organized, and responsible citizen.

Newman believes that together the district will meet this challenge while celebrating this year’s successes and continue to strive for excellence in everything it does.

“Thank you for your trust in me as we begin this short journey,” she said.

For more information about CHSD and its school board, visit: www.chsd.us.