Oct 28, 2022 | News
Thank a Principal for National Principals Month
As October winds down, we would be remiss if we didn't take a moment to acknowledge the hard work of each of our building leaders during National Principals Month. An excellent school culture starts with a strong building principal, and we are pleased to have great leaders at each of our schools.
Elementary Principals
- Jennifer Flowers-Bentley, Ann J. Kellogg Elementary: Ms. Bentley's passion for learning and her love for students shows up every single day. That, coupled with her incredible gifts of grit and resilience, has led to her ascent into successful building leadership.
- Kavonna Matthews, Dudley STEM Elementary: Ms. Matthews stepped in as building leader for Dudley mid-year last year and has stepped up to the job with compassion, organization, and a newfound love for early-grade learners. She is passionate about serving her new Dudley community of staff, students, and families
- Brandon Phenix, Fremont International Academy: Mr. Phenix has served as a dynamic leader for Fremont since its opening in 2019. He is extremely organized, dedicated to the success of Fremont students and staff, and prides himself on his effective parent communication.
- Angie Morris, LaMora Park Elementary: Mrs. Morris has now been principal at LaMora Park for several years, and has done a great job of building a positive culture of both academic and social-emotional learning. She uses deep knowledge and extensive experience to implement systems and structures with a focus on student growth.
- Sima Thurman: Post-Franklin Elementary: Ms. Thurman is the epitome of a principal focused on Positive School Experiences (PSE) for students. She knows her students by name, need, and strength, and acknowledges struggles and successes to keep pushing students to their potential and beyond while keeping literacy as the North Star throughout the school.
- Courtney Shorter, Valley View Elementary: Mrs. Shorter has truly taken her new position at Valley View by the reigns! A Bearcat through and through, she has stepped into building leadership with pride and grace and is already proving to be an inspirational new in the BCPS community.
- Rhonda Washington, Verona Elementary: Ms. Washington went back to her Verona home as building leader last year and has already made clear and significant transformations in the building's climate and culture at Verona by building relationships with students, staff, and the community.
Middle School Principals
- Christian Manley, Battle Creek STEM Innovation Center Principal: Mrs. Manley is committed to implementing systems and structures to transform the learning experience for students at BC STEM. Her deep knowledge of systems and processes and her positive leadership is having an impact on students, staff, and families every day.
- Dave Fooy, Northwestern Middle School Principal: Mr. Fooy's compassion, drive to help others, and desire to make a difference have already begun to positively impact the culture and learning environment at Northwestern. He is a vocal advocate for staff and students and is willing to step in to offer support wherever the need exists every single day.
- TaShaune Harden, Northwestern Middle School Assistant Principal: Ms. Harden brings a special ability to listen, which, paired with her unwavering focus on improved outcomes for students, has made her a strong addition to the team at Northwestern Middle School.
- Meri Shabani, Springfield Middle School Principal: Mrs. Shabani has a contagious love for her students, staff, and the entire Springfield community. She is the type of leader who empowers everyone around her and leads by example and with a kind and caring heart.
High School Principals
- Luke Perry, Battle Creek Area Mathematics & Science Center Director: Mr. Perry has really leaned into utilizing an equity-focused approach to improving the school experience for his staff and students. His willingness to reflect and adjust, along with his steadfast commitment to preparing his students both academically and socially make him an ideal fit to lead students from 15 area school districts.
- Tyler Gilland, Battle Creek Central High School Executive Principal: Mr. Gilland's unapologetic focus on disrupting inequities in educational opportunities is changing the trajectories for students every single day. His unique ability to lean into difficult conversations, stand in his truth, and thoughtfully approach every challenge has made him a strong leader in the school going back to his teaching days.
- Toni McClenney, BCCHS Academy of Health & Human Services Principal: Mrs. McClenney's commitment to celebrating each and every student accomplishment shines through, along with her willingness to step up as a strong leader through any challenge.
- Blake Nordman, BCCHS Academy of Business, Engineering, & Industrial Technology Principal: Mr. Nordman is dedicated to enhancing the culture and student experience in Battle Creek Central by bringing a caring heart and a restorative approach. He truly cares for every Bearcat and will do whatever it takes to help them reach success.
- Chuck Seils, BCCHS Assistant Principal & District Athletic Director: Chuck is dedicated to ensuring Battle Creek’s students have the best possible resources to support their athletic experiences and works hard to celebrate our student-athletes and their accomplishments.
- Calvin Williams, W.K. Kellogg Preparatory High School Principal: Mr. Williams brings a level of care and compassion for his students that is truly contagious. He knows every W.K. Prep student's name, backstory, passions, goals, and barriers to success, and he works diligently to help them achieve their dreams.