As we close out the year, I want to begin by expressing how truly grateful I am for the continued focus across our entire district on fostering a deep sense of belonging. That commitment, from our students, our faculty and staff, and our families, is what makes the difference each and every day. It is the heart of who we are as a community.
This past month offered wonderful reminders of what it means to be a Holt Ram. Our student-led pop-up pantry served more than 250 people over the Thanksgiving holiday, ensuring that families in our community had what they needed during a time of gratitude and togetherness. And their work doesn’t stop there as our students will once again extend their support during the upcoming holiday season by distributing 50 complete meals to members of our learning community. Their compassion and leadership embody the very best of who we are.
Recently, our band, choir, and a dedicated group of Girl Scouts helped usher in the holiday season at Veterans Memorial Park, sharing their talents and spirit with the wider community. And get this, Sycamore Elementary participated in a Guinness World Record challenge for the most people cup stacking in multiple locations. Fun fact: I happened to be visiting Sycamore during the challenge, and I am officially counted among the 784,036 people who cup stacked between November 18–20!
In addition, our Bond projects continue to progress across the district. We are especially pleased with the significant strides being made on the new Sycamore Elementary School, currently under construction along Aurelius Road. This new learning space will serve generations of Rams to come, and it is exciting to see the vision taking shape. No matter where you look or where you go, you will find our Holt Rams doing remarkable things such as lifting others up, giving back, and living out our updated mission: To Innovate. Educate. Inspire.
And just as importantly, we remain committed to our vision: Equipping our learning community to make meaningful contributions and positive change.
Clearly, our students, staff, and families are doing just that.
I also want to share something more personal. After 32 years of serving the Holt Public Schools community; as a Young Fives, kindergarten, and first grade teacher; high school soccer coach; elementary principal; and for the past eleven years as superintendent of this incredible learning community, I am writing to share that December 31, 2026, will be my projected last day of employment with Holt Public Schools.
It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve so many remarkable students, families, and athletes over the years. For some of you, I had the privilege of reading your very first story in school; for others, I read your last school story as you crossed the stage at graduation. Watching our students innovate, discover, and grow has inspired me every single day. The future is undoubtedly bright.
I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to our incredible staff, our outstanding central office team, each Board of Education Trustee with whom I have served, and to the students and families who have been part of my journey. As we say in Holt Public, each of you deserves a “wow, wow, super, wow.” Serving each of you has been a true pleasure and an extraordinary honor. Your trust, partnership, and steadfast commitment to our schools have shaped this district and created the strong foundation that makes Holt Public such a special place to live, work, and learn.
I also want to recognize the colleagues, administrators, and leaders I have worked with and served under throughout my career. Your guidance, wisdom, and support have had an immeasurable impact on my growth as an educator and leader. I am deeply grateful for the ways you have influenced and strengthened my path.
To my family—Anne, Olivia, and Max—thank you for your unwavering love and your willingness to share your partner and father with so many throughout these 32 years. Each student I served, I attempted to treat as if they were my own, and your support made that possible. I am forever grateful for the sacrifices you made and the encouragement you offered at every step.
While this notification marks the upcoming conclusion of my career in Holt Public, providing a 12-month notice to the Board of Education will support thoughtful succession planning and allow time to work alongside the new leader of Holt Public next fall. I am committed to ensuring a smooth and successful transition.
As I reflect on the past 32 years, I can say without hesitation that my dreams have come true here. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to live and work in this community, to raise my family here, and to lead a district that I love with all my heart. I have been truly blessed.
As we head into our next school break, which begins at the end of the business day on December 19, with school resuming on January 5, 2026, we hope the time away provides an opportunity for everyone to relax, rest, rejuvenate, and read.
Thank you to everyone who continues to bring our mission and vision to life. Your efforts make our district stronger and our community brighter. I’m proud of all we’ve accomplished together, and I look forward to all that lies ahead.