Howell Public Schools has hired two new principals, one for an elementary building and another for a middle school.
Erin Graf has been selected as principal of Voyager Elementary School, and Ray Miller will serve as principal at Parker Middle School. The HPS Board of Education approved the hires June 22 — according to a district news release.
Graf replaces Danielle Schmidt, who has been appointed executive director for early learning at the Livingston Educational Service Agency. Miller replaces Trish Poelke, who was hired as assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction at Hartland Consolidated Schools.
Graf is currently an at-risk teacher at Voyager and serves as the building’s lead teacher, school improvement chair and data leader — according to HPS. She has more than two decades of educational experience and has served as a principal in elementary and middle schools. She has a master’s degree in reading from Eastern Michigan University and an administrative certificate from Michigan State University.
“I am honored to serve as the next principal of Voyager Elementary and work alongside this wonderful staff,” Graf wrote in the release. “This role represents an opportunity to build strong relationships and create a school culture where every child feels they belong, every staff member feels valued, and every family feels connected. I am excited to listen, learn and grow … as we continue helping students grow academically, socially and emotionally.”
Miller is currently the assistant principal at Plymouth High School, part of Plymouth-Canton Community Schools. He’s served as a teacher, coach, athletic administrator and school leader in his career. Miller has a master’s in K-12 educational administration from MSU and a bachelor’s in secondary education mathematics from Central Michigan University.
“I am excited and honored to be the principal at Parker Middle School,” Miller wrote in the release. “I look forward to getting to know the students, staff and community. I am committed to serving … with a student-centered approach that puts the best interests of our students at the forefront of every decision, while supporting our staff and families.”
Graf and Miller were selected after two rounds of interviews, according to HPS. Superintendent Erin MacGregor welcomed them to the district, while thanking Poelke and Schmidt for their commitment and leadership.
“They have made a lasting impact on (their respective) school communities, and while they will be greatly missed, I know they will excel in their new roles at other districts within our county,” MacGregor wrote.
— Contact reporter Evan Sasiela at esasiela@livingstondaily.com. Follow him on X @SalsaEvan.
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Howell Public Schools names new principals for two schools
Reporting by Evan Sasiela, Livingston Daily / Livingston Daily
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By Evan Sasiela, Livingston Daily | USA TODAY Network
