Forest Hills — Leadership changes at Forest Hills Public Schools brought the addition of two new faces and one familiar one to lead three of the district’s buildings. SNN gets to know them in this edition of Meet Your Administrators.
Lisa Roedel
Principal, Knapp Forest Elementary
A connection to the West Michigan community is what brought Roedel from the east side of the state to the Grand Rapids area. Prior to coming to Forest Hills, Roedel served as principal at Smith Elementary School in Plymouth-Canton Community Schools for about five years. Before that, she was an elementary principal in Bath and an elementary teacher in Fowlerville and Webberville school districts.
“I really enjoy being here and it is a good fit,” Roedel said, noting that her previous school district and Forest Hills are similar. “I have an amazing staff who have really made me feel so welcome to the school and the district.”
Roedel holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Ferris State University and a master’s in educational leadership and curriculum development from the University of Michigan. Her husband, Wayne Roedel, is the superintendent of Greenville Public Schools.
Heather Fix
Principal, Thornapple Elementary
Last year, Heather Fix had the opportunity to serve as interim principal at Collins Elementary, which helped her discover a love of elementary education.
“I love the neighborhood community feel of the school,” Fix said. “Everyone is so welcoming. The community is supportive of the school, and everybody works together to help the students be their best.”
Fix has been with the district for nine years, starting as a teacher at Northern Trails 5/6 School. She taught science at Eastern Middle, and last fall was named assistant principal at Northern Middle as well as interim principal at Collins.
She graduated with a bachelor’s in integrated science education from Grand Valley State University, and holds a graduate degree from Western Michigan University.
Raeanne Hart
Assistant Principal, Northern Hills Middle School
A 2007 East Grand Rapids High graduate, Raeanne Hart already knew of the district next door. In fact, just before attending her first staff meeting at Northern Hills Middle School, she found a picture of herself at the school for a volleyball competition.
“I was able to tell everyone that I have been to this building before,” she said with a laugh.
Hart previously served as assistant principal at Hudsonville High School for four years, and also as a teacher in West Ottawa Public Schools. She graduated from Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s in educational leadership.
“I have always held Forest Hills, and Northern Hills Middle School, in high regard,” Hart said. “It is a great place to be, and having been here for only a few weeks has confirmed what I have felt about the district and the school.”
