Justin Gluesing

ALPENA — In a few weeks, one Alpena Public Schools administrator will be starting a new chapter in his career.

Justin Gluesing, assistant superintendent for human resources and labor relations for APS, is leaving after 15 years to take the superintendent’s job at Crawford AuSable School District in Grayling.

The Crawford AuSable Board of Education approved a contract with Gluesing at its meeting on April 8, the Crawford County Avalanche reported. Gluesing, who is set to start his new position on July 1 after leaving Alpena in mid-June, said being the last man standing for the position was exciting because it was a position he was focused on. His professional growth has allowed him take this next step in his career, he said.

“In the last couple of years, I’ve been looking for a district that I think matches well with my interests and skill set, so I’m just looking for that opportunity to come around and was lucky that my interests and a vacancy in Crawford AuSable matched up,” Gluesing said Tuesday. “I was excited to put my name in for consideration and I’m very excited that they selected me to come over there.”

Staying in northern Michigan was important for Gluesing. The area has been his home for over 15 years and he wanted to stay in the area. He’s also familiar with the success Crawford AuSable has had, which is another reason why he pursued this position.

“They’ve got a great school system over there, and so that was where my professional ambitions were focused, but also I think, from a personal standpoint, that’s where my heart was focused on,” Gluesing said.

Gluesing has been in contact with Crawford AuSable administrators and board members. He plans to be at the Crawford-Oscoda-Ogemaw-Roscommon Intermediate School District superintendent meeting later this month and at Crawford AuSable board meetings next month.

“I’m looking forward to wrapping things up, because I am getting a little antsy to get more things rolling,” Gluesing said. “I’ve got a lot of work to accomplish here before I leave, and I certainly want to leave the district in good standing when I go, but I am antsy to get busy over there and get looped in on things.”

Gluesing received his bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University then went to Hartford, Wis., and Escanaba before coming to Alpena 15 years ago. He earned his master’s degree while in Wisconsin and received his education specialist degree while here in Alpena.

While at APS, he’s been the athletic director, E-House assistant principal at Alpena High School, principal of Alternative Choices for Educational Success Academy, director of human resources, an associate superintendent, and an assistant superintendent.

Leaving Alpena and APS is bittersweet for Gluesing because of the friendships he’s made and the people with whom he has worked.

“I’ve really had the opportunity to work in three different buildings across the district, four different positions, and really in the last five years have really been able to get to meet more people,” he said. “I feel very grateful about all the opportunities that the district has given me, the board has given me, in terms of being able to take on these roles and experience new things and meet new people. I really am grateful for all the opportunities that I’ve had in Alpena, I’ve had great support, here.”

Gluesing said Alpena has been a great place to live and work and the entire Gluesing family is thankful for the opportunities here, but excited for the next chapter. His wife, Janelle, and kids, Logan and Josie, are all transitioning into the next phase and excited about what’s next.

“They’re getting older and getting onto what’s next for them, but I know that they’re excited for this next phase,” Gluesing said. “They sense that they’re at the edge of the next phase for each of them as are we as a family. It’s an exciting, optimistic, and eager sort of feeling. It’s an exciting time for us as a family.”

Julie Goldberg can be reached at 989-358-5688 or jgoldberg@thealpenanews.com. Follow her on Twitter @jkgoldberg12.