VanWagoner

ALPENA — Alpena Public Schools Superintendent John VanWagoner has been selected as the next superintendent for Traverse City Area Public Schools.

The Traverse City Record Eagle reported Wednesday that VanWagoner was selected after a 7-0 vote by the TCAPS Board of Education.

VanWagoner said Wednesday he is very excited for the opportunity to advance in his career, but it is also very bittersweet.

“I have a great job here in Alpena, and APS has been great to both me and my family,” VanWagoner said. “I really appreciate everything I’ve had the opportunity to do working with unbelievable staff and great board members.”

VanWagoner noted that he has had an excellent relationship with all 13 APS Board of Education members since he started as superintendent in August 2016.

“I’ve had a great relationship with every single one of them, and that is really unique, you just don’t get that opportunity,” he said.

Board president Gordon Snow said it’s no surprise that VanWagoner was selected for the position, and that it will be a big loss for Alpena if he decides to go.

“If he leaves, somebody is going to have mighty big shoes to fill, and it would certainly be much better for the district if he stayed here and we wouldn’t have to hire somebody new,” Snow said. “There’s a lot especially with the bond and all of the things that are a part of selling the bonds, and working with the architect and construction manager firm… one thing after another.”

If VanWagoner decides to leave, Snow said they will begin a search process of their own once they know what his timetable for leaving is.

Contract negotiations with the school district are next in the process of transitioning into the superintendent position, VanWagoner said. A contract with VanWagoner could be reached as early as June 8 with a start date of July 1.

In the meantime, VanWagoner said he will do his best to make sure the kids in Alpena can continue on and have great opportunities into the future. He said he wants to make sure he makes himself available for the APS board if they may need help or have questions relating to the $33.9 million bond that was approved by voters in March. The bond sale will be used for facilities repairs and renovations throughout the district, such as boilers, roofs, and security at the schools.

“If they have any issues or things that may need to be resolved, I want to make sure to offer and honor that for this community that has been so good to me and my family,” VanWagoner said.

VanWagoner was selected over Denise Hermann, who recently resigned from her post at Roseville Junior Union High School District in California, the Record Eagle reported.

Meakalia Previch-Liu can be reached at 989-358-5680 or mprevich-liu@thealpenanews.com.