During the holiday assembly, the entire gym fell silent as the video began to roll. Following a black screen, an email appeared, “It is with a wide range of emotions that I officially communicate that this will be my last week at WOHS.”

   As the video rolls on, clips of students and teachers bid farewell to Jason Reinecke, the former principal of West Ottawa High School. The video ends, signaling the start of a new chapter at West Ottawa High School.

  In preparation for Reinecke’s move, Jens Milobinski, Associate Superintendent of Human Resources, posted a job listing for the position in mid-December. 

   While Milobinski started the search for candidates, assistant principal Jake Manning was named interim principal. 

   Manning took on the responsibility with eagerness for the opportunity to learn and support the school through the transition.

   “I have been blown away by the support of our teachers, staff, students, and especially our team of secretaries and assistant principals as we have worked together to make sure life at WO is as smooth for our students and staff as possible throughout all of this transition,” Manning said.

   “He was gracious enough to do it and he is doing a wonderful job,” Milobinski said.

   While Manning supervised the high school, administration prepared for the first round of interviews.

   To aid in the decision-making process, Milobinski created a selection committee that includes teachers, principals, counselors, support staff, and central office administrators. 

   “Mr. Milobinski tried to select a cross-section of people in leadership positions, and those who represent different departments in the high school. For the second round, we are including high school students as well,” Superintendent Tim Bearden, said.

   The committee includes: Bearden, Milobinski, Todd Tulgestke, Audra Bolhuis, Bill Kennedy, Lacy Otteman, Joise Cheney, Pete Schwallier, and Dawn Stanley.

   One member of the committee is counselor Lacy Otteman. “I am so honored to be a part of this process. Choosing the next leader for our building is a crucial decision for our students and our staff,” Otteman said. 

   Each member of the committee is looking for specific characteristics that they believe is indicative of a good fit for the position. 

   “My hope is that we find a dynamic, engaging leader who builds on the already tremendous school culture and achievements at the high school,” Bearden said. 

   Milobinski is looking for someone who has previous experience being a teacher. “I think the most important jobs in the district are the teachers. So I am looking for someone who loved being a teacher and who interviews a lot like a teacher,” Milobinski said.

   Otteman hopes that the new principal will continue to build off of the leadership established over the past few years. 

   “Mr. Reinceke and Mr. Tulgestke left large shoes to fill.  Our school has made great strides over the past ten years and it will be imperative to have someone who will embrace the WO culture and care about our kiddos,” Otteman said.

   Yesterday, the first round of interviews took place. Bre Bartels, Kristine Jernigan, and Tung Ngyun interviewed for the position.

   Bartels and Jernigan are currently principals within the district. Bartels is at Harbor Lights and Jernigan is at Lakeshore Elementary. Ngyun is currently an assistant principal at Grandville Public Schools and a WO graduate along with Jernigan.

   Jernigan and Bartels will move on to the second round of interviews next week Wednesday, February 2. Administration hopes to select and announce the new principal within the next two weeks.