- Sponsorship -

Muskegon Heights superintendent tapped to lead Godfrey-Lee

Godfrey-Lee — After interviewing three finalists, the Godfrey-Lee Public Schools Board of Education has offered the superintendent position to Dr. Arnetta Thompson, currently the Muskegon Heights Public School Academy superintendent. 

The district is currently undergoing contract negotiations with Thompson, with July 1 as her anticipated start date. She would be the first woman and Black woman to lead Godfrey-Lee, according to district historian and former superintendent David Britten. 

Thompson, a Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills High School graduate, is wrapping up her 32nd year in education. She has served in her current role as superintendent in Muskegon Heights since 2021. 

“The interview process was thorough and provided an opportunity to meet staff and community members, as well as take a tour around the district,” Thompson told SNN. “I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Godfrey-Lee Public Schools and look forward to making a lasting impact with students, staff and the community.“

Board president Eric Mockerman said the final candidates demonstrated exceptional talent and their decision was critically important and equally difficult.

Mockerman also expressed his gratitude for the staff and community members who participated in the search and represented their schools.

“We were thankful to find multiple candidates whose passion for the children in our district was clear,” he said. 

The Michigan Leadership Institute supported the Board in their search and will continue to support Thompson during and after the transition. 

Read more from Godfrey-Lee: 
Three finalists interviewing for superintendent role  
Six to interview for Godfrey-Lee superintendent

- Sponsorship -
Alexis Stark
Alexis Stark
Alexis Stark is a reporter covering Byron Center, Caledonia, Godfrey-Lee, Kenowa Hills and Thornapple Kellogg. She grew up in metro Detroit and her journalism journey brought her west to Grand Rapids via Michigan State University where she covered features and campus news for The State News. She also co-authored three 100-question guides to increase understanding and awareness of various human identities, through the MSU School of Journalism. Following graduation, she worked as a beat reporter for The Ann Arbor News, covering stories on education, community, prison arts and poetry, before finding her calling in education reporting and landing at SNN. Alexis is also the author of a poetry chapbook, “Learning to Sleep in the Middle of the Bed.”

LATEST ARTICLES

Related Articles

- Sponsorship -

Issues in Education

Making Headlines

Dads demonstrate dedication to students and learning

To celebrate our 10th anniversary, your School News Network team is re-publishing some early stories from each school district. This story, originally published in February 2015, talks to fathers who are discovering the ins and outs of public education thanks to the WATCH D.O.G.S. program.
- Sponsorship -

MEDIA PARTNERS

Maranda Where You Live WGVU

SUSTAINING SPONSORS