St. Mary's hires new principal

Tue, May 20, 2008    to del.icio.us

SPRING LAKE — St. Mary's Parish School will have a new principal at the helm starting this summer.

A search committee recently approved the hiring of Spring Lake resident Michael Devitt, currently the principal of Muskegon Catholic Central Middle School. Devitt and his wife, Lanette, are members of St. Mary's Parish.

Current Principal Wendy Sipka is retiring at the end of this school year after more than 30 years in education.

"Our principal search process brought us quite a few candidates," said Father Len Sudlik. "I believe that is a reflection of the excellent history and reputation of St. Mary's School."

Devitt is a graduate of Western Michigan University, earning both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Arts degree there. He recently completed a degree in administration from Grand Valley State University.

His teaching experience began in 1985 and has included several positions in Michigan schools, as well as coaching duties at each school.

Sudlik said Devitt is expected to officially start around July 1, although he has already been working and consulting with Sipka during the final weeks of school.

Last Friday, the new principal visited each classroom to begin getting to know the students.

Sudlik said the search and interview committee was "very helpful" in the process of selecting a new principal. The committee consisted of three school board members, two teachers, St. Patrick's parish administrator John Strazanac, two St. Mary's parishioners and Sudlik.

"I appreciate the precious evenings that (committee members) gave to bring this process to a successful conclusion," said Sudlik. "I also think that all the committee members are grateful that the Lord has sent Michael to lead our school in the years to come. As a member of the parish community, I know it won't be long before his face is familiar to us all."