After 12 years as Superintendent, Dr. Sara Shubel is stepping down at the end of the 2017-2018 school year.

Over the course of her career as Superintendent, Shubel has worked hard to establish the goals and priorities for the district alongside the Board of Education and administrative staff. Shubel wrote in her retirement letter to the community, “I have worked collaboratively with teachers, administration, and the Board [of Education] in always being focused on increasing the educational opportunities for our students while leading to maintain the Tradition of Excellence our community expects and deserves.”

Within the letter, Shubel also reflected on her times in this position writing, “I am forever grateful to the Board of Education for hiring and entrusting me with the leadership of this exceptional public school district. I have worked collaboratively with teachers, administration, and the Board in always being focused on increasing the educational opportunities for our students while leading to maintain the ‘Tradition of Excellence’ our community expects and deserves.”

As for the future of EGR Shubel remains optimistic saying, “I am confident that East Grand Rapids Public Schools will remain rich in traditions while continuing to focus on the future. I retire as superintendent knowing that this district will continue to thrive as it has for many years because of the exceptional teachers, staff, board, parents, and community that work in collaboration on behalf of our students. Although my retirement is near, my dedication, commitment, and advocacy work on behalf of public education will not be coming to an end; however, it is time for a new leader to continue building on what we have accomplished collaboratively in our district.” said Shubel.

School board president Natalie Bernecker said the board will begin the process to fill the position of Superintendent by July 1, 2018.