Sturgis Superintendents
Sturgis Superintendents
Pictured front left are Warren Fudge, Larry McConnell and Lyle "Skip" Sisson. Back, Robert Olsen, Thomas Langdon and Arthur Ebert. Retrieved from Sturgis Journal: June 11, 2018 by Michelle Patrick https://www.sturgisjournal.com/story/news/education/2018/06/11/sturgis-superintendents-gather/11999244007/

H.M. Huycke 1892-1895

L.W. Leisenring 1895-1900

L.G. Holbrook 1900-1901

E.L. Bower 1901-1909

Carl M. Fenner 1909-1933

Waldo L. Adams 1933-1940

Paul Winger 1940-1952

Elwyn J. Bodley 1952-1957

Warren Fudge 1957-1974
Hometown: Lynn, Indiana
High School: Lynn High School
College: Ball State Teachers College, Muncie, Indiana: B.A. and M.A.
Why you chose to come to Sturgis? Four of my Ball State classmates and I all secured teaching jobs in southwest Michigan. I started my career in Mendon for five years, then moved to White Pigeon as superintendent before coming to Sturgis in 1957.
What were the highlights of your tenure at SPS?
*Building the present high school which opened in 1962.
*One of 47 superintendents from United States and Canada invited to attend the Teacher's College at Columbia University's summer session.
*High School Athletic field added next to the high school.
*Sturgis School District was debt free in 1970.
*Community Pool and tennis courts were dedicated in 1974.
*Working with talented and dedicated school boards and staff.

Dr. Larry McConnel 1974-1992
Hometown: Rosebush, Michigan
High School: Sacred Heart Academy in Mt. Pleasant
Colleges: Central Michigan University (B.A. and M.A.) and Michigan State University (PhD)
Why you chose to come to Sturgis? To return to a well-respected Michigan school district and community after serving as superintendent of Salem, MA.
What were the highlights of your tenure at SPS?
*Strong community support expressed by approving a series of operational millage increases.
*Ability to recruit talented teachers and support staff.
*A supportive, informed and forward-looking board of education with an understanding of the board's role and responsibilities and those of the superintendent.
*Being selected as one of the five high schools in the state to represent Michigan at a Ronald Reagan program to refocus on the importance of public education. The board president, high school principal and I attended a White House Rose Garden ceremony for this purpose.

Lyle "Skip" Sisson 1992-1998
Hometown: Otsego, Michigan
High School: Otsego High School
Colleges: Albion College (B.A.), Western Michigan University (M.A. and Ed. Sp.)
Why you chose to come to Sturgis? My wife and I were looking for a job opportunity in a community large enough to support a comprehensive school system, yet small enough to feel like our old home towns. When a job became available in Sturgis we found our place.
What were the highlights of your tenure at SPS?
*Successful bond issue for Eastwood.
*Building the fund equity to audit appropriate levels.
*Converting from traditional NCA accreditation to the NCA transitions model allowing tracking of individual students thru each stage of their education in Sturgis.

Robert Olsen 1998-2011
Hometown: Norway, Michigan
High School: Norway-Vulcan Area Schools
Colleges: Central Michigan University, Michigan State University
Why you chose to come to Sturgis: Great reputation for a quality school district.
What were the highlights of your tenure at SPS?
*Expanded academic and extra-curricular opportunities for students.
*Recognition by US News and World Report as one of the top school districts in the nation.
*The growth of professional development and training opportunities for faculty and staff.
*Passed a bond millage to build a new middle school and renovate/modernize all buildings in the district.

Dr. Thomas Langdon 2011-2018
Hometown: Ionia, Michigan
High School: Ionia High School
Colleges: Calvin College (B.A. in Education), Cornerstone University (B.S. in Biology with a Physical Science minor), Western Michigan University (M.A. in Ed Leadership), Central Michigan University (Doctorate in Ed Leadership)
Why you chose to come to Sturgis? The people I met during my interview (both formally and informally) and the questions and follow-up questions during the interview. Through that process it became evident to me that the board and staff had a keen interest in providing a strong education for their children.
What were the highlights of your tenure at SPS?
*The 1:1 device initiative at the High School.
*"Leader In Me" at all the elementary buildings and middle school.
*Developed a strong PLC model across the District.
*Developed a school safety model that is the envy of the state.

Dr. Arthur Ebert 2018-Present
Hometown: Milford, Michigan
High School: Milford High School
Colleges: Michigan State University (B.M. in Music Education), Southern Oregon University (M.M. in Conducting), Eastern Michigan University (PhD in Educational Leadership)
Why you chose to come to Sturgis? My wife Sarah, our three boys, and I were drawn to Sturgis due to its historic downtown, strong sense of community, and its appreciation of the arts, athletics, and career & technical education.