It's the end of an era for Muskegon Heights Schools as superintendent Alena Zachery-Ross is leaving the district.
Zachery-Ross has lead the district since 2014.
Tuesday, June 27, the community held a farewell reception in the Tiger Den at Muskegon Heights Academy. Community members gathered to say goodbye and wish Zachary-Ross good luck.
She announced in May she was taking the same job in the Okemos School District, east of Lansing.
Zachery-Ross led the Muskegon Heights district through difficult times and left an impact on many. Julieaunna Clark, a student at the school, says, "Not only has she been our secretary and superintendent, but she's like the mom of the school. She was a big role-model here and it's sad to see her go, but I'm happy to see that she's going on a new journey somewhere else to help other kids."
Zachery-Ross said she took the job in Okemos to be closer to her mother. She adds, "I've really enjoyed being in Muskegon Heights. This is a family oriented community, a community that loves the school, that has great pride, great tradition, and gives a lot of respect to education.
"I'm just excited to have been able to work here and grateful for the community."
Assistant Muskegon Heights Superintendent Rane Garcia will take over as superintendent when Zachery-Ross starts her new job in Okemos on July 1, 2017.
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