Sparta — A new interim principal has taken the lead at Sparta’s Ridgeview and Appleview elementary schools.
Karl Nelson was recently appointed to the position following the retirement of the former principal, Mike Birely.
Nelson is a veteran educator and administrator who most recently served as the executive director of pre-K-12 instructional leadership for Grand Rapids Public Schools’ northwest quadrant. He retired from GRPS in August, but gladly answered the call when Sparta Superintendent Joel Stoner reached out seeking a replacement for Birely.
“When (Stoner) called me I thought it was a blessing and a tremendous opportunity for me to continue my mission of helping out schools and people to build better environments, create culture and to do the things that are necessary in order to develop kids,” Nelson said. “I still have a lot of energy, I still have a lot of passion, and I want to be able to support and assist whenever I can.”
Nelson said his work with GRPS gave him a “tremendous amount of perspective” about education, and how to support students and staff, which he hopes to apply while in Sparta.
“My hope is that I provide some wisdom, some perspective and hopefully some affirmation,” he said.
Stoner said the district is thankful for Nelson’s willingness to step in.
“We are excited to have Karl join the team and to provide guidance and wisdom to our assistant principals,” Stoner said. “His administrative experience will be so beneficial.”
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