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EGRPS Hires New Superintendent

The East Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education announced in a unanimous vote that Dr. Heidi Kattula, executive director, Oakland Schools, has been hired as the new Superintendent for East Grand Rapids Public Schools. After an extensive four-month search process, the Board chose Dr. Kattula for her strength in collaboration, her ability to increase student achievement through inclusion and accountability, and her experience in instructional leadership across all grade levels. Dr. Kattula’s start date is August 1, 2018.
“The Board looks forward to welcoming Dr. Heidi Kattula to our organization and to the families we serve,” said East Grand Rapids School Board President Natalie Bernecker. “Dr. Kattula stood out among the highly-qualified field of candidates for her proven track record in making student-focused decisions that support academic success. She has in-depth expertise in instructional strategies, innovative professional development programs, and breadth in curriculum. Her strength as a communicator and a collaborative leader to inspire and build positive relationships will continue East Grand Rapids’ Tradition of Excellence. We want to thank our entire community who played an active role during this very public process, and we believe that Dr. Kattula will be a visionary leader and a great match for our staff, students and community.”
Dr. Kattula has 26 years of experience in public education. She served as a high school mathematics teacher and department chair in Ohio where she helped coach swimming, track, cross country, and volleyball. She then became the assistant principal at Wayne Memorial High School where she built a master schedule and organized and supported all student assessments. Her next 13 years were spent in the Bloomfield Hills Schools where she served as Principal of Andover High School, Principal of West Hills Middle School and served as the Director of Learning Services in the Bloomfield Hills Schools district office. For the past two years, she has served as the Executive Director of Oakland Schools where she has led the areas in Oakland County that impact student learning from birth through grade 12. In this role she developed systems, structures and resources to better support teaching and learning.
“I am excited to have been chosen as the next superintendent of East Grand Rapids Public Schools. I look forward to working collaboratively with the school board, staff, parents and the community. My core beliefs contain a moral imperative to continuously serve, support, educate and inspire the children in our care. My vision closely aligns to the East Grand Rapids vision of providing an exceptional education for every student so that they may pursue their dreams, maximize their potential and positively contribute to the world,” said Kattula.
For the last 18 years, Kattula has served in a variety of administrative roles, worked with students, teachers, parents and community members to create educational experience and opportunities for thousands of children and their families. Kattula’s strengths lie in the areas of building culture, climate and collaborative communities; educating the whole child; and continuous improvement through the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion. She has maximized efficiencies for fiscal management.
Kattula has her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and teaching certifications from University of Michigan, a Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Supervision from Northern Michigan University, Educational Specialists in General Administration from Wayne State University and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Study from Wayne State University.
The East Grand Rapids Board of Education was committed to a rigorous superintendent search process. The Board provided the community clear and comprehensive information and offered many opportunities for input. Dr. Rodney Green, MASB, was hired in March and conducted focus groups, community meetings and an online survey to provide extensive input on the desired qualities of the next superintendent. The Board received 29 applicants applied for the position.

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