Thornapple Kellogg — Superintendent Craig McCarthy has announced he will retire Dec. 31, after serving six and a half years in administrative roles at Thornapple Kellogg.
In a letter to the TK community this week, McCarthy said it was a difficult decision, but he is looking forward to “transitioning into the next phase of my journey.”
“Thank you for welcoming me into your lives and for your unwavering support of our schools. It has truly been a privilege to serve as your superintendent,” he wrote. “I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together, from curricular alignment to implementing new programs, enhancing all of our facilities, strengthening community partnerships and improving our district finances.”
At the Nov. 11 meeting, the Board of Education approved a contract with retired Thornapple Kellogg Schools Superintendent Tom Enslen to serve as interim superintendent starting Jan. 1, 2025.
The board also approved a contract with Michigan Leadership Institute to conduct the search for a permanent superintendent at the start of next year.
Enslen previously worked in TK Schools for 17 years, before retiring in June 2018. He served as a coach, Thornapple Kellogg Middle School’s assistant principal, Lee Elementary’s principal and assistant superintendent before completing his tenure as the superintendent for six years.
Board President Matt Powers said he is excited to have Enslen return to TK for an interim role.
“Tom knows the district and community really well,” Powers said. “He has worked with many of the administrative team and all of this knowledge base will set Mr. Enslen up for a smooth transition and help to maintain the calm stability of our district.”
Read more from Thornapple Kellogg:
• ‘They teach me to be a better version of myself’
• District wraps up bond work after five years of improvements
