After a four month search, Reed City Area Public Schools has selected its new district superintendent.

The board of education voted in a special meeting last Thursday, April 16, to select Jennifer Goodman as the district’s new leader. Goodman has served as superintendent of Pewamo Westphalia Community Schools since July 2021, replacing Jeff Wright, who later became superintendent of Newaygo Public Schools. She also spent about a decade as principal at Holt Public Schools and worked in education near Detroit and in Arizona.

“In Jennifer, I believe we have found a collaborative leader who will continue moving our district forward and who will celebrate the achievements of our students and staff,” Board of Education President Jamie Eichenberg said in a release. “We are excited to welcome her and begin this next chapter together.”

There were 12 initial candidates for the position, which was posted in January. The board narrowed it down to six and then to three final candidates on April 16. Public participation was utilized through multiple community surveys, which the board appreciated.

“Choosing a superintendent is one of the board’s most challenging and meaningful tasks. We interviewed excellent candidates, and throughout the process we felt shared excitement about the future of RCAPS,” Eichenberg said.

Goodman will begin official duties July 1. She succeeds Michael Sweet, who served the Reed City district for six years. She will become the fifth person to serve as superintendent since 2013.

_{Photo and release details courtesy of Reed City Area Public Schools.}