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Election Candidates 2012-2013 Board of Directors
MASSP members were e-mailed a link to the 2012-203 ballot on the morning of Monday, April 23, 2012. If you did not receive your e-ballot, please contact Chris at (517) 327-5315.
Polls are open from April 23, 2011 through May 11, 2011.
Office of President Elect Nominees (2):
Ben Mainka, Principal of Fowlerville Junior High School
Center 6
How long have you been in your current building administrative position?
I have been working as an administrator in Fowlerville for four years. In my time here I have had the opportunity to work as a High School Assistant Principal, CTE Coordinator, and a Junior High School Principal.
Tell us about your professional career.
I started teaching in South Lyon at Millennium Middle School as a science teacher. As if I did not have enough on my plate as a new teacher, I also ended up taking on quite a few coaching responsibilities at the varsity level including basketball, volleyball, and track & field. While I absolutely loved working with students directly, I felt as though my skill set would be put to better use as a principal.
As a high school Assistant Principal, I was immediately tasked with running our CTE program as well as many other duties. While I had great support and mentors in my district, I often found myself seeking out additional resources. It was then that I realized that no other organization did more for principals than MASSP. I knew then that I wanted to get even more involved and give back to the organization. After moving into my role as Junior High School Principal, I was given the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors for the past couple years.
Outside of your job, what have you done for your profession?
Outside of my work as a Principal, and also my work with MASSP, I have done several things in the field. I have been fortunate enough to write numerous articles on issues surrounding grading, assessment, student learning, and instructional leadership. I have also volunteered my time to present to groups of teachers, principals, and other members, worked on standard-setting committees through MDE, and assisted with the formative assessment initiative in the state. I am also very proud to be an instructor for the MASSP Path to Leadership program, which is going to be an outstanding tool to provide current and future principals with certification.
Tell us about both post-secondary degrees and additional continuing education.
I received my Masters of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Michigan, and I am currently progressing towards my Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. I have had many additional continuing education opportunities through a variety of workshops, and I am also a Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA).
Why are you seeking this particular MASSP office?
The experiences I have had with MASSP have been amazing, but the most valuable thing has been the relationships I have made with so many of you. Working with Jim Ballard was an amazing learning experience and also an unbelievable amount of fun. Now, with Wendy Zdeb-Roper, I feel we have one of the sharpest minds in education directing our organization and I have learned so much from her. Gaining insights from our board members, as well as our other member principals at our conferences and workshops, has also been tremendously valuable. It has been said that life is all about relationships, and MASSP has provided me with so many valuable relationships that continue to grow. It is now my turn to give this back to others.
In our state of education today, we require complex solutions for complex problems that our principals face. Teacher evaluation, the Common Core State Standards, ACT College Readiness, school accountability, and preparing secondary students for the world we now live in are just a couple of issues that need true vision and leadership for our organization. I believe that we have been in good hands with our past Presidents, and that has continued with Dr. Jennifer Hammond, and will continue with Colin Ripmaster. They have had the vision and foresight to meet the complex challenges we all face and helped to place MASSP in the forefront as a leader in education. With my background, I bring experiences from the High School, Middle-Level, and even CTE to our members and I am up to the challenge of continuing the hard work of our current leadership, and helping lead MASSP in these exciting new times. It is for these reasons that I ask for your vote for the office of President-Elect for the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals. Together, we will continue to be the premier educational association in this state and beyond.
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Dave Powers, Principal of Baldwin Street Middle School
Center 3
How long have you been in your current building administrative position?
The 2011/12 school year marks my 12th year as a principal of Baldwin Street Middle School.
Tell us about your professional career.
I began my teaching career as a band director in 1982. After serving four years in St. Joe County at Centerville and Sturgis (two years each), I moved back to my hometown of Grand Rapids to become director of bands for Forest Hills Northern High School for the next eight and a half years, during which time I earned my Masters of Arts in Educational Leadership from WMU in 1989. When preparation met opportunity I became the Fruitport Middle School AP/AD (1982) until moving to Hudsonville as a High School Assistant Principal in charge of the newly opened Freshman Campus. Two years later I accepted the offer to become Middle School Principal, where I have been ever since. Throughout my career it has been my pleasure to work with students from 6th-12th grade.
Outside of your job, what have you done for your profession?
Over the course of my career I have continually sought to serve and lead in whatever capacity I have found myself. Before moving into administration I served as Vice President of both District 10 and 11 of the MSBOA. Since becoming an administrator and joining the MASSP, I have presented at the AP Conference, the Middle Level Conference, the MASSP Annual Conference as 2009/2010 Middle Level Principal of the year, the National Schools to Watch Conference in D.C. after our school earned the designation in 2010, and the 2011 MAMSE Conference. Additionally, it has been my privilege to serve as Middle Level Representative on the MASSP Board of Directors for the past two years and I’m slated to co-teach in the Path to Leadership Program this summer. In the local area, I regularly attend and support our ISD cohort of middle level administrators within the County.
Tell us about both post-secondary degrees and additional continuing education.
My Masters of Arts degree in Ed. Leadership was earned in 1989 from Western Michigan University. Since then I have earned countless credits and SB-CEU’s in pursuit of sharpening and honing my building leadership skills but have not sought any further advanced degrees.
Why are you seeking this particular MASSP office?
Education across the country, but more importantly in the state of Michigan, is at a crossroad. The laser light of accountability and pressure to perform has never been greater for any level of educator. Principals, in particular, are called upon to be more, do more, know more and answer to more, than at any other time in history. The MASSP had long been, and is now, the pre-eminent leader and supporter to all of us in the trenches. Alone, we would be lost in a sea of overwhelming responsibility. Together, with the MASSP advocating for us, boiling down the key “need to knows” and teaching us, we can absolutely lead our students and this state’s future to greater heights. As a current MASSP board member I have seen the vision, passion and involvement our association plays in shaping the future. I believe I can continue to further this vision with your support.
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AP Central Region Commission Nominees (2):
Wendy Bridges, Assistant Principal of Shepherd High School
Center 4
How long have you been in your current building administrative position?
I have been in the position of Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at Shepherd High School for eight years.
Tell us about your professional career.
Before becoming an administrator at Shepherd High School, I taught high school English and Physical Education in Midland Public Schools and Beaverton Rural Schools. I also was involved in athletics, first as a college athlete and then as a coach at the varsity level. After nine years teaching and coaching high school students and mentoring beginning teachers, I found myself wanting to make a positive difference in educational leadership.
My goal continues to be one where I have a role in the direction of student learning and teacher preparedness to help all students have an opportunity to succeed.
Outside of your job, what have you done for your profession?
Throughout my administrative career, I have been and continue to be a member of the MASSP and the MIAAA. I have been fortunate enough to present on a variety of topics at conferences for both of those organizations. I have served on committees for the Tri-Valley conference (23-school league for athletes), and am currently the recording secretary. Currently, I am an Assistant Principal Representative for the MASSP board.
Tell us about both post-secondary degrees and additional continuing education.
I earned my bachelors in Arts from Western Michigan University for teaching secondary English and physical education. My master’s degree was earned in Ed Leadership from Saginaw Valley State University. I continue to keep certification through graduate credits and SB-CEU’s earned in areas of educational leadership.
Why are you seeking this particular MASSP office?
I have had the pleasure of serving on the board for the last two years, as I was appointed to the position due to a vacancy. I would love the opportunity to continue to serve on the board, as a result of my colleagues voting for me as their Representative for Assistant Principals. I will continue to take this role seriously and work together to support and give direction to school administrators in the state of Michigan.
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Brett Pedersen, Assistant Principal of Mill Creek Middle School
Center 8
How long have you been in your current building administrative position?
This is my first year at Mill Creek Middle School serving as the assistant principal.
Tell us about your professional career.
I taught health and physical education for eight years before transitioning to administration.
Outside of your job, what have you done for your profession?
I serve as a "Schools to Watch" visiting team member. I am an adjunct instructor at EMU's College of Health and Human Services. I currently run a wellness program three days a week for all faculty and staff of Dexter Schools. I am the former V.P. for Health Ed. for the Michigan Assoc. for Health, PE, Recreation, and Dance.
Tell us about both post-secondary degrees and additional continuing education.
M.S. Health Education (EMU); Currently pursuing a post-master's certificate in Educational Leadership (EMU); Certified Group Fitness Instructor (A.C.E.)
Why are you seeking this particular MASSP office?
I am very motivated to grow as a professional in my position as an administrator. I also have a strong desire to advocate for our organization and profession at local and state levels. I believe that professional collaboration is vital to the advancement in education and I want to be involved in that process. MASSP personifies what it means to be a professional in administration and I want to help sustain the opportunities for our members to grow and advance.
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ML East Region Commission Nominees (1) - Unopossed:
Mike Alley, Principal of St. Clair Middle School
Center 5
How long have you been in your current building administrative position?
I have been principal of St. Clair Middle School since 2007. Before St. Clair Middle School I was principal of Marine City Middle School for four years, which is also in the East China School District. In my personal life, I have been married for the past 32 years to my wife, Karyn, who is a first grade teacher. We have three sons and four grandchildren. I enjoy most outside activities and spending time with my family.
Tell us about your professional career.
I began my professional career as a high school mathematics teacher at Bath High School. I then had a series of moves over the next 15 years that included teaching at Marine City Middle School and Marine City High School. While teaching I coached a variety of sports and taught drivers education. I began my administrative career as Assistant Principal at Marine City High School before being appointed the principal at Marine City Middle School.
Outside of your job, what have you done for your profession?
Served on countless committees including currently serving as President of our RESA Learning Academy Board.
Tell us about both post-secondary degrees and additional continuing education.
I graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. I majored in Mathematics with a minor in Physical Education. My Master’s Degree is in Educational Administration from Central Michigan University. My Educational Specialist Degree is from Saginaw Valley State University.
Why are you seeking this particular MASSP office?
My hope is to expand my knowledge and networking with my administrative colleagues.
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Region 1 Representative Nominees (2):
Maryann Boddy, Principal of Iron Mountain High School
Center 1
How long have you been in your current building administrative position?
I was hired at Iron Mountain High School in May of 2002 to fill the position of K-12 Assistant Principal. After serving in that position for one year I was re-assigned to the role of High School Principal. In 2009 the district opted not to replace a retiring principal and I was assigned to the position of Middle School Principal in addition to my High School responsibilities. Since 2009 I have been the principal of both Iron Mountain High School and Central Middle School.
Tell us about your professional career.
My career in education began in 1989 when I was hired as a middle school science teacher in Springfield, IL. I taught there for one year. In 1990 our family moved back to Michigan where my husband accepted a teaching position at Calumet High School. For the next three years (1990-1993) I taught alternative education, high school completion, and GED prep classes for Portage Lake-Range Area Community Schools. During that time I was also working as a substitute teacher through the Copper Country Intermediate School District in Hancock, MI. In 1993 I was hired by Calumet High School as a science teacher. In 2000 we relocated to Iron Mountain. From 2000-2002 I was a K-8 Principal in Niagara, WI. Since 2002 I have been an administrator for the Iron Mountain Public Schools.
Outside of your job, what have you done for your profession?
As my family has grown it has gotten easier to be involved in other activities. I am an active member of MASSP and the Region 1 Principal's group. I was involved in NCA accreditation for several years and served on teams that worked with Houghton Middle School and High School and Kingsford High School. I have mentored students in summer school credit recovery classes. In Feb. 2005 I spent a week in San Diego with the US Marine Corps as a guest with the Educator Workshop. I am a member of the MTU Academy of Educators and have attended several conferences including NASSP's in March 2012.
Tell us about both post-secondary degrees and additional continuing education.
I earned my Master of Arts in Education: Education Administration and Supervision from Northern Michigan University.
Why are you seeking this particular MASSP office?
I am pursuing this MASSP office because I want to represent my fellow administrators from the UP. At this point in my career I have the experience necessary to be a valuable asset to the Board. I want to be an integral part of a professional organization that has been such a positive support to me in carrying out the daily responsibilities of my career. I have skills and ideas that I can contribute to the organization to maintain and possible improve the positive resource that MASSP is for all of its members.
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Brady Downey, Principal of Gladstone High School
Center 1
How long have you been in your current building administrative position?
I have been the high school principal at Gladstone High School for the past seven years. I was the assistant principal at Gladstone High School for one year prior to becoming the principal.
Tell us about your professional career.
A cursory examination of my professional career is illustrative of whom I am and what I have to offer. Early on I taught Biology and Physical science for 10 years at Gladstone High School. For one year, as the assistant principal at Gladstone High School, I worked intimately with parents and teachers to construct a system of student interventions based on trust, respect, and fairness. Now, as the principal of Gladstone High School, I have invested the time and energy necessary to build a climate of cooperation and sense of ownership among faculty, students, community leaders, and business leaders.
Outside of your job, what have you done for your profession?
I am heavily involved with MASSP through the annual conferences as well as our Region 1 meetings. I am also using the MASSP website on a daily basis. Other than my involvement in MASSP, I am also a part of our Delta-Schoolcraft ISD as a presenter for various professional development opportunities involving local administrators as well as classroom teachers. Some of the areas of my presentations include; school law, corrective discipline, experiential learning, curriculum mapping, and differentiated instruction. I was also an integral part of the local administrative team that facilitated and authored one of the first teacher evaluation instruments that was presented to the Michigan Department of Education. Currently, I sit on the Delta County College Access Network board of education as well as many other educational advisory teams.
Tell us about both post-secondary degrees and additional continuing education.
Northern Michigan University - Bachelor of Science - Biology, Chemistry, and Health; Michigan Educator Certification - Grades 6-12; Northern Michigan University - Masters of Educational Administration and Supervision; Northern Michigan University - 12 credits towards Educational Specialist Degree; Certified National Athletic Trainers Association; Certified Michigan Organ Donor/American Red Cross – Presenter
Why are you seeking this particular MASSP office?
As many of my colleagues are already aware, I am very excited about the opportunity to serve the MASSP in the capacity of Region 1 Representative. The quality of the organization, the capabilities of the staff, and the support of other professional organizations, are just a few of the reasons the Region 1 representative is a position that I am truly interested in. In this exciting and anxiety filled time in education, as the Region 1 members of MASSP look for a representative with an educational vision, a genuine care for the principal ship, and the perseverance to achieve goals despite many obstacles, it would be an honor to be elected. Knowing first-hand the unique challenges and obstacles in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, I am eager to represent Region 1 and use my passion and experiences to support what I feel the noblest of all professions, the principalship!
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Region 3 Representative Nominees (2):
Jenny Fee, Principal of East Grand Rapids High School
Center 3
How long have you been in your current building administrative position?
Assistant Principal 2005-2006 school year - January of 2007; Principal January 2007 – Present
Tell us about your professional career.
Social Studies Teacher Miami Country Day School, Miami, Florida (1994-1995); 5th and 6th Grade Math Teacher Graland Country Day School, Denver, Colorado (1994-1995); 6th and 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher Graland Country Day School, Denver, Colorado (1995-1999); 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher East Grand Rapids Middle School 1999-2000, (2001-2005)
Outside of your job, what have you done for your profession?
I have participated in a number of professional development opportunities, institutes, and committees: MASSP Assistant Principal's and Principal Summits; Teacher Evaluation Institutes; ASCD Annual Conference; MI-LIFE: Michigan Leadership Improvement Framework Endorsement Program; IB Schools Coordinator Training; OK Conference Handbook Committee; Harvard Graduate School of Education Principals' Center Improving Schools: The Art of Leadership Program; Grading Practices and Policy Conferences; Teacher Evaluation Trainings; Master Scheduling Trainings; Assessment Conferences; Special Education and Section 504 Conferences; Differentiation and Technology Trainings; Diversity Trainings; Independent School Conferences
Tell us about both post-secondary degrees and additional continuing education.
University of Michigan, B.A. Economics 1991; University of Michigan, Masters of Arts in Education 1994; State of Michigan Professional Teaching Certificate: Secondary Social Sciences and Economics; Western Michigan University Graduate Coursework: Educational Leadership, Differentiated Instructional Strategies, and Leadership for Differentiation Courses
Why are you seeking this particular MASSP office?
I truly believe in the value of the MASSP and welcome the opportunity to shape its efforts and serve its members. The environment regarding education at the federal, state, and local levels is more dynamic and challenging than ever. I am eager to stay informed of the many changes and assist in developing viable solutions to new challenges faced by secondary administrators across the state. MASSP has proven to be an indispensable resource for me as an administrator and a leader. The strategies, conferences, workshops, and webinars provided by MASSP significantly enhanced my leadership, knowledge, and skills. It would be an honor to represent MASSP members and to give back to an organization that is so helpful.
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Tracy Wilson, Principal of Grand Haven High School
Center 3
How long have you been in your current building administrative position?
This is my first year as the Principal at Grand Haven High School. I spent the previous 12 years as an Assistant Principal. I also spent one year as a High School Mathematics teacher and Assistant Athletic Director while coaching varsity girl’s basketball and volleyball. The first 9 years of my career were spent as a full-time mathematics teacher and coach.
Tell us about your professional career.
I was hired in the Grand Haven Area Public School system in 1989 as a Junior High math/physical education teacher and spent my after school time coaching three sports. I did that for four years before moving to the High School. I taught High School mathematics, coached girl’s basketball, volleyball and became a class advisor. In 1998-99, I became the first Assistant Athletic Director and in 1999, I was hired as an Assistant Principal.
Outside of your job, what have you done for your profession?
I was a member of the Chamber of Commerce “Leadership Connect” program and graduated from that program in May 2010, where I still serve on the Executive Committee. I have been a mentor to hundreds of young female athletes over my career along with growth professional teachers, serving as a female role model for the future administrators. I presented at the Evaluation Conference in Lansing for the MASSP demonstrating the GoObserve software, along to area administrators. Instrumental in bringing Capturing Kid’s Heart to GHAPS.
Tell us about both post-secondary degrees and additional continuing education.
1991 - Masters of Arts from Western Michigan University with a Middle School Emphasis; 2000 - Masters of Arts from Central Michigan University in Educational Administration; PathWise Mentor Trainer; ISLLC Trainer; Flippen Leadership Series I Facilitator; Capturing Kids’ Hearts Facilitator; MASSP Educator Evaluation Training
Why are you seeking this particular MASSP office?
Having been in the education field for 23 years, I am finding that I am now given the opportunity to give back to the profession that I have gained so much from. Having the ability network and learn from other principals’ has been phenomenal; however, I believe that it’s time for me to use my experience serving others.
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Region 5 Representative Nominees (1) - Unopossed:
Theo A. Kerhoulas, Principal of Croswell-Lexington High School
Center 5
How long have you been in your current building administrative position?
I have been the Principal of Croswell-Lexington High School for the last seven years.
Tell us about your professional career.
I have been in education for the last 15 years. During this time I have taught at all three levels (kindergarten was my favorite), have worked in two countries and three states.
Outside of your job, what have you done for your profession?
I have been lucky enough to mentor many young administrators in my career.
Tell us about both post-secondary degrees and additional continuing education.
BA - The University of Western Ontario, Canada; TC - D'Youville College, Buffalo, NY; MEd - The University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
Why are you seeking this particular MASSP office?
To give back to an organization that has given me so much.
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Region 7 Representative Nominees (1) - Unopossed:
Christina Feneley, Principal of Union City High School
Center 7
How long have you been in your current building administrative position?
In 2010, I was hired as the High School Principal at Union City High School and the Director of Instruction for Union City Community Schools. I have been in the position for a year and a half.
Tell us about your professional career.
My most recent teaching experience was at Pennfield Middle School as the Title 1 teacher. I served as the Assistant Principal at Pennifield Middle from 2005-2008. In 2008, I was hired as the Building Principal at Pennfield Middle. I served in that role for two years. In 2010, I was hired into my current position at Union City High School. I have been in this position for almost two years.
Outside of your job, what have you done for your profession?
Outside of my job, I have been thoroughly involved in the school improvement process through mu participation in Quality Assurance Review teams through AdvancED. I have served thus far on three QAR’s with a schedule to participate in the two more this spring. This year, I serve as the chair of the Big 8 Principals’ Conference. Our conference is the oldest in Michigan. I have planned and facilitated monthly meetings for the HS/MS principals in the conference.
Tell us about both post-secondary degrees and additional continuing education.
In 1994 I earned a BA in Education from Saint Mary of the Woods College. In 2002 I earned an MA in education with an emphasis in Scio-Cultural Studies from Western Michigan University. I have accumulated 60 postgraduate hours in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in the Superintendency. I plan to complete my postgraduate studies with a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership.
Why are you seeking this particular MASSP office?
As a new principal, I benefited from the professional development opportunities and networking support that MASSP afforded me. In the years since, I have reached out to MASSP members for professional guidance and support. I hope to be able to serve others in a like capacity.
