SAUGATUCK, Mich. — The search for a new superintendent for Saugatuck Public Schools is officially over.
On Tuesday, the district announced Mark Neidlinger will replace Dr. Tim Travis when he retires at the end of 2024.
Neidlinger has been the principal of Saugatuck Middle School and Saugatuck High School since 2018. He's also held positions at Walden Green Montessori in Spring Lake and the Chicago Public School District.
"Having the experience of kindergarten through 12th grade has been pretty remarkable," Neidlinger said. "What I have learned, I've learned everything from my middle school, high school kids. And mostly that they have big plans for the future, that they are creative in ways that I don't think my generation is. I think they're problem-solving in extraordinary ways. And the education is harder now than I think it has been in the past."
The Board said they were interested in promoting someone from within the district before widening their search to the public. On Oct. 22, Neidlinger was chosen to fill the role after a public interview.
"In his interview tonight, Mr. Neidlinger demonstrated his incredible dedication to the craft of teaching and learning and reminded us of his deep ties to the community of Saugatuck and Douglas,” said Board President Laura Zangara in a release.
Neidlinger said he's excited to take on the new role while still remaining close to the students who inspire him.
"My plan is to be as involved with the students, and at the center of the activity, as possible. That's where all the energy is," he said.
He's passionate about the small-town feel of the district and the way it helps to create community.
"It's also a generational school, so it's wonderful to see parents and grandparents of students come through and have the pride of the district," Neidlinger said. "It is also just a remarkable town to have a school in. Our students use the downtown area often. We have schools on both sides of the river, which is also pretty wonderful. It's just a terrific place to get an education."
As a long-time resident of the community, Neidlinger said he's hoping to continue to blend the community's interests with those of the district.
"I think together, we can really make a bright future here," he said.
Neidlinger will officially become the superintendent on Jan. 1, 2025. He said he's ready to embody the district's new mascot when he takes his role as a Trailblazer.
"Our community selected the new name of Trailblazers for Saugatuck Public Schools, I think it really aptly fits our faculty and also our student body," he said. "We do like to lead. We're curious and creative and pretty innovative."
