Region 1: Johanna Ostwald, Dickinson Iron ISD

Nominators pointed to Johanna Ostwald’s solid leadership skills and talents, describing her as a champion for Early Childhood Education and a strong ambassador for education in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the state as a whole. She has served as a mentor to many new and aspiring superintendents, and has proven herself to be a strong negotiator in the realm of labor relations. 

“Johanna demonstrates a tremendous ability to stay organized amongst a multitude of demands on her time and energy and still finds the humor in life when many others might throw in the towel,” said Bruce Mayle, nominator and superintendent of Gogebic Ontonagon ISD. “She serves as a role model for young women by being the consummate professional...Johanna is articulate and a great leader inspiring those around her to be the best they can be.”

Region 2: Michael Hill, Traverse Bay ISD

Michael Hill is recognized for the ongoing leadership he has provided the superintendents of Region 2 and throughout the state of Michigan. 

Nominators pointed to Hill’s unparalleled advocacy for children that is evidenced in each decision that he makes. Region 2 President and Director of Instructional Services at Charlevoix-Emmet ISD Robert Alger said, “The superintendents of Region 2 have appreciated Michael’s though-provoking candor, his sincere guidance, his passion for children, and even his humor.” 

Region 3: Brian Davis, Holland Public Schools

Nominators recognized Davis for his firm belief that all children can learn, and for being a champion for children with a district vision  that engages the entire community. 

Davis oversaw the recent passage of a $73 million bond issue in the Holland community despite  tough economic times, having laid the foundation for years as he engaged his community in conversations about the 21st Century Learning Environment. 

“School Improvement has been the cornerstone of Brian’s tenure as Superintendent,” said Board Vice President Susan DeJong, who nominated Davis for the award. “He is continually exploring new models for learning, and under his leadership the district now provides three different models for high school.” 

Perhaps Grose summed it up best : “As I said to someone the other day while discussing the upcoming documentary ‘Waiting for Superman,’ Holland Public Schools is very fortunate; our Superman arrived when we hired Brian Davis.”

Region 4: Jerry Seese, Saginaw Township Community Schools

Jerry Seese is recognized for his excellent leadership and communication skills, as seen through his skillful navigation of the Saginaw Township Community Schools through many difficult issues. Most recently he led a successful restructuring of his “neighborhood” schools that saved the district close to $1 million. 

Nominators pointed to Dr. Seese’s great communication skills, describing him as always representing himself, his district, and his profession in a way that reflects positively on all. He collaborates to help students outside his township as well, asking “what can I do to help?” not because he has to, but because it is right for kids. Mr. Seese is a compassionate professional, a dedicated leader, a continual scholar, an understanding community member, and, most of all, an advocate for children.

Superintendent of Carrollton Public Schools Craig Douglas echoed, “‘How are you doing’ is Dr. Seese’s typical greeting, as he really seeks to understand how I am doing. This ‘you-first’ thinking is something I personally value and try to reciprocate. It is easy to be caught up in the day-to-day challenges, but Jerry Seese rises above it.” 

Region 5: Jerry Jennex, Capac Community Schools

Jerry Jennex is recognized for his philosophy for the district as a place where everyone deserves to be treated with respect. Jerry Jennex actively practices this vision with employees, parents and the community, encouraging all to learn every day, confront issues sooner rather than later, and smile as often as possible. 

As Capac Superintendent, Jerry has been instrumental in the establishment and continuance of the Capac Youth Sports Committee, which continues to improve a community youth sports complex on property of the school district including soccer and baseball fields. Jerry also helped organize Sunnyfields Botanical Park in Emmet, MI as a non-profit entity, to promote horticultural and environmental studies, and an appreciation of nature. 

He has worked very hard for MASA through the years, serving as Secretary, Treasurer, Vice-President and most recently as Region 5 President. Through his leadership, Jerry has set up numerous professional development opportunities for Region 5 superintendents. Jerry’s focus is on the continuous improvement in all facets of the Capac Community School System with his constant vision boasting a core rule, people are always more important than things. 

Region 6: John Hagel, Clinton County RESA, Shiawassee County RESD

John Hagel is recognized for his exceptional leadership to the local superintendents with whom he works. 

Most recently Mr. Hagel effectively assimilated to his role as shared ISD superintendent for Clinton and Shiawasee counties, leading to a consolidation of service efforts between two intermediate districts as well as with and among the constituent local school districts. As an example, John provided critical support to the boards and administrative leadership of the Perry and Morrice school districts during their very challenging district consolidation election. These are just a few examples of John’s ability to provide purposeful leadership and direction in what has been a somewhat tumultuous and unstable educational funding environment. 

Region 7: Dr. Sandra Standish, Comstock Public Schools

Dr. Sandra Standish is recognized for the outstanding work she provides Comstock Public School District. 

Nominators pointed to Dr. Standish’s vision for quality education, noting that she stepped into the superintendency when the district was in turmoil with school finances and has steered the district in the right direction. The district received a project imagine grant and even though no funding came through, she still moved forward with the project. Dr. Standish has partnered with the community center to provide early childhood education, forming a “beautiful connection.”

Region President and superintendent of Van Buren ISD Jeffrey Mills said of Standish, “She is a top notch leader who is a very creative thinker. She is there for kids!”

Region 8: John “Jack” Hewitt, Summerfield Schools

Mr. Hewitt is recognized for his 12 years of exemplary service to Summerfield Schools, leading to continued growth of student achievement and quality programs, while maintaining the stability of the District during a difficult school funding crisis. 

Nominators pointed to Mr. Hewitt’s collaboration efforts in providing consolidated services, his promotion of distance learning opportunities to his students, and his role as a strong proponent of the collaborative purchase of student data and business software by county districts. He serves on the Monroe-Lenawee Technology Consortium Board of Directors and is active in his community in 4-H. He has also led two successful Monroe county technology echancement millage campaigns. 

“Jack is a steady force during these turbulent times and is a role model...[we] can hold high to represent our profession,” said nominator and superintendent of Monroe County ISD Donald Spencer.

Region 9: Dr. Patricia Cole, Wyandotte Public Schools

Dr. Patricia Cole is recognized for her deep care about the education of the district’s children, and for her strong advocacy for educational excellence and opportunity. Dr. Cole’s foremost goal is student achievement and she works tirelessly with Wyandotte’s excellent staff to provide rigorous programs designed to prepare students for future success. 

Nominators pointed to Dr. Cole’s vigilance in providing resources for Wyandotte’s classrooms, describing her as a visionary leader who is highly respected by staff, students and peers at both the county and state levels. She ensures that the district takes advantage of alternative revenue with grant opportunities, bond initiatives and private business sponsorship. 

“She is highly admired by area superintendents, State Legislators and the State Board of Education,” said Board Trustee and Nominator Kathryn Bedikian. “One would not expect a superintendent to be as unassuming as Dr. Cole...She simply knows the job and strives tirelessly to get it done.”.