MUSKEGON HEIGHTS PUBLIC SCHOOL ACADEMY SYSTEM BOARD ENTERS INTO NEGOTIATIONS WITH NEXT SUPERINTENDENT
Muskegon Heights, Michigan, JULY 2, 2021: The Muskegon Heights Public School Academy System Board of Education voted unanimously to enter into negotiations with Dr. Arnetta Thompson to serve as the next Superintendent of schools.
Dr. Arnetta Thompson, who has served the school system for three years as Talent Management Director, was promoted in January of this year to Assistant Superintendent of Talent Management & Instruction. Dr. Thompson attended Tennessee Technological University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in Biology. She continued her education at Western Michigan University earning her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, Grand Valley State University earning her Educational Specialist Degree and Eastern Michigan University earning her Ph. D.
Dr. Arnetta Thompson is entering her 31st year in education, 18 of those years as an administrator. During her tenure as a successful educator, Dr. Thompson has been a classroom teacher, athletic coach and athletic director, assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent. While at Muskegon Heights, Dr. Thompson has been an integral leader in developing and sustaining the Supporting Emerging Educator Development (SEED) teacher residency program, created in partnership with Grand Valley State University. The SEED program has been a large contributor to stabilizing teacher retention in the school system, which has been consistently at 95% for the past 24 months.
MHPSAS Board President Garland Kilgore said, ‘Dr. Thompson has shown her ability to successfully lead. Her educational background, coupled with her experience in leadership throughout school systems, helped us reach our decision. Dr. Thompson has been an integral member of the team that has helped reshape and align the Muskegon Heights Public School Academy System toward success.’
Kilgore added, “Our timely response to finding a qualified successor to lead our school system will allow for a smooth and seamless transition. Our current Superintendent, Rane Garcia, will continue to work with the team and Dr. Thompson prior to her departure for her new position in Lansing.” The public will have an opportunity to offer input on the goals for the superintendent.
The Board interviewed internal candidates as a first step, after Superintendent Rané Garcia announced she would be leaving to take the position of the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with the Michigan Department of Education. Dr. Thompson’s first day as superintendent will be August 23.
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