Matthew Schmidt, Superintendent of Bangor Township Schools, has earned the prestigious title of ‘Michigan Superintendent of the Year’ after a surprise announcement at Wednesday’s board of education meeting. Schmidt was selected for the honor, presented annually by the Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators (MASA), in recognition of his commitment to student-centered education, dedication to fostering a thriving school community, and leadership within the district and broader educational landscape.
“Matt’s impactful leadership and commitment to academic excellence, safe learning environments, and innovative programming have made Bangor Township Schools a model for districts statewide,” said MASA Executive Director Dr. Tina Kerr. “This award not only celebrates Matt’s many accomplishments but also highlights the dedication and hard work of the Bangor Township Schools community under his guidance. We look forward to seeing what’s next as Matt embraces this well-deserved honor and represents his district and Michigan at the national level.”
Under his guidance, Bangor Township Schools has experienced unprecedented growth and academic success, with a focus on closing achievement gaps, enhancing school culture, and expanding opportunities for all students. Schmidt’s leadership has transformed the district into a model of innovation and inclusivity, making Bangor Township a destination district for families throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region.
“Matt has been an essential force behind the resurgence of Bangor Township Schools,” said Kurtis Pake, Director of Programs and Strategic Initiatives at Bangor Township Schools and Schmidt’s nominator for the award. “His dedication to creating an inclusive, high-performing school system has made a profound difference in the lives of students, families, and the community as a whole.”
Since his appointment as Superintendent in 2013, Schmidt has led Bangor Township Schools through a series of impactful initiatives that have enhanced both student achievement and community engagement. A passionate advocate for the success of all students, Schmidt has led several initiatives, including the implementation of support systems for students from diverse backgrounds, a district-wide focus on positive behavior reinforcement, and significant upgrades to district facilities.
His commitment to transparent and proactive communication has also strengthened Bangor Township’s relationship with the community. He initiated “Parent University” – a program designed to educate and empower parents with tools and resources to support their children’s education – and introduced regular town hall meetings to foster open dialogue. These efforts, combined with active social media engagement, have helped build trust and collaboration among students, parents, teachers, and community members.
“Mr. Schmidt is not only a visionary leader but also a compassionate individual who understands the challenges that families face,” said Austin Dinauer, a 2020 graduate of Bangor Township Schools. “He has consistently prioritized initiatives that support mental health, overcoming challenges, and community engagement. His ability to connect with students and parents alike has made a lasting difference. It was under his leadership that I felt empowered to pursue my passions and strive for success, and this dedication continues to inspire the current generation of students.”
One of Schmidt’s most significant accomplishments during his tenure at Bangor Township Schools has been his commitment to closing the achievement gap and fostering equitable learning opportunities. Through a comprehensive building-wide redesign, he introduced new leadership, restructured teaching staff, and established targeted support for students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. This effort resulted in a remarkable increase in math and reading proficiency, alongside significant improvements in school climate and family engagement.
“Matt’s professionalism and high degree of integrity distinguish him in the field of education,” said Bay Arenac ISD Superintendent Michael J. Vieau. “He excels at fostering collaboration, driving positive change, and consistently prioritizing the needs of both students and staff. His ability to blend traditional educational values with modem approaches ensures that Bangor Township Schools remains a leader in educational innovation.”
Schmidt’s background, including growing up in a single-parent home and his service in the United States Army, have significantly influenced his leadership style. His experiences have instilled in him a strong sense of discipline, resilience, and dedication, all of which are evident in his approach to educational leadership. With a Doctor of Education anticipated from the University of Michigan-Flint in the coming weeks, Schmidt continues to pursue knowledge and professional growth, embodying the values he helps develop in others.
“He fosters a culture that encourages personal growth, celebrates achievements, and pushes individuals to reach their full potential,” said Shelby Putnam, Bangor Township Schools Executive Assistant. “Since working with Matt, I have completed my bachelor’s degree and have started graduate school in the hopes of becoming an educational leader myself. He has helped me achieve goals I once thought were out of reach. He never doubted my potential, and for that, I will be forever grateful.”
Schmidt’s contributions extend beyond Bangor Township, serving as an MASA mentor coach and having held various leadership positions within the organization, including Council Member and Region 4 Past President. He also actively participates in county and regional initiatives, such as the Bay Area Community Foundation Board and the Bay Arenac Career and College Access Network, advocating for educational and career opportunities across the region.
Michigan’s Superintendent of the Year award is presented to a superintendent who has shown tremendous effort and dedication to enriching the lives of students and the community as a whole. The process begins in late summer with a state-wide open nomination process. Nominees then complete a multi-step application process, which is reviewed by representatives from more than half a dozen education organizations across the state and previous award winners.
In addition to the surprise presentation at Wednesday’s board meeting, Schmidt will be formally recognized in January at MASA’s 2025 Midwinter Conference in Grand Rapids. A $1,000 student scholarship will also be presented to Bangor Township Schools in his honor by this year’s Michigan award sponsor, Michigan Virtual.
As Michigan’s 2025 Superintendent of the Year, Schmidt is now in the running for the national Superintendent of the Year award from the American Association of School Administrators (AASA). Four national finalists will be selected in December and will participate in a national briefing and final interviews in Washington, D.C. in January. The National Superintendent of the Year award winner will be announced in March at AASA’s National Conference on Education in New Orleans, where all State Superintendents of the Year will also be honored.