As the superintendent of Hemlock Public School District, one of the greatest privileges of my role is working alongside the incredible members of our Board of Education. Their commitment to our students and dedication to our community is truly inspiring, and together, we work to ensure that every child in our district has the opportunities they need to succeed.
Matthew Wesener, our Board President, brings leadership, vision, and a deep understanding of what it means to serve the Hemlock community. His experience and steady hand have been crucial in helping guide our district through transformative times, including the many facility upgrades and the ongoing commitment to student achievement. Matthew’s passion for making a difference is clear in every decision he makes, ensuring we continue to move forward with the best interests of our students at heart.
Katherine Ellison, our Vice President, is a dynamic leader who champions the needs of students and staff alike. With her background in education and a strong commitment to Hemlock, Katherine works tirelessly to ensure that our district is always putting the needs of students first. Her collaborative spirit and attention to detail make her an essential part of our team. Katherine is deeply involved in helping our board and district plan for the future while keeping our present strong and focused on student success.
Kimberly Hoeppner, Secretary, who has served on the board since 2019, brings a wealth of experience from her career in child care and her dedication to community service. She is deeply committed to supporting our students, parents, and staff, and her leadership extends beyond the boardroom to her active involvement in district events, including the Hemlock Celebrations Committee.
Jamie Rivette, Treasurer, and a CPA with a background in auditing school districts, lends her financial expertise to ensure that our district remains fiscally responsible while providing the best possible resources for our students. A proud parent of two Hemlock students, Jamie’s passion for the district’s success is evident in everything she does.
Hilary House, one of our dedicated Trustees, brings a unique perspective to the board, with a background in law enforcement and a strong commitment to serving the community. As a proud Hemlock alumna and parent of two Huskies, Hilary is deeply invested in the district’s growth and success. Her thoughtful approach to decision-making ensures that the needs of every student and family are considered, and she consistently advocates for a safe and supportive learning environment for all.
David Messing, Trustee, whose three children are also Hemlock Huskies, brings years of experience in marketing and a deep connection to the community’s agricultural roots. His leadership and vision have played a key role in helping our district plan for the future while staying true to our small-town values.
Bryan Conger, Trustee, is another valuable board member, whose business acumen and dedication to the Hemlock community have helped guide our district’s progress. As a Hemlock alumnus and a parent of two Huskies, Bryan’s commitment to the success of our schools is both personal and professional.
Working with this talented group of leaders has been a rewarding and collaborative experience. Together, we are committed to the district’s mission of providing the best possible educational experience for every one of our 1,250 students.
As the superintendent, I approach my role with a deep sense of responsibility and a commitment to ensuring that every student has the support and opportunities they need to succeed. Leading a district of this size is a challenge that I embrace wholeheartedly, balancing our students' needs, wants, and aspirations much like I do with my own four children at home. While I am a proud dad, I also serve as the boots on the ground for the district, responsible for executing the Hemlock Board of Education’s vision and ensuring it translates into real progress for our students and staff. As the sole employee of the board, I was appointed, not elected, to this position, and I carry that responsibility with pride, always striving to lead with integrity and commitment.
Some of my proudest moments as superintendent have included Hemlock being recognized as the most innovative district in the State of Michigan in 2022, witnessing our robotics team win the State Championship in 2024, celebrating the Girls Basketball team’s State Championship victory in 2023, and watching our district facilities transform to better serve students and the community. But more than accomplishments, the day-to-day work with staff, students, and our community is what drives me.
My academic background and career experiences have greatly prepared me to lead Hemlock Public School District. I have always been committed to expanding my knowledge to better serve our community, earning multiple advanced degrees that have shaped my leadership philosophy. I hold a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration from Central Michigan University, where my research focused on resource allocation to improve student learning and achievement. I also earned an Ed.S. in Educational Administration from Central Michigan University, with research centered on best supporting struggling at-risk students. From Grand Valley State University, I received an MA in Educational Leadership, with research emphasizing school safety and best practices. My MA in Educational Technology and Instructional Design from Michigan State University focused on integrating technology into the classroom, and I hold a B.A. in Secondary Education: Social Science and Biblical Studies from Southeastern University.
These degrees and research experiences have equipped me with the tools needed to lead with a focus on educational excellence, equity, and innovation. I began my career as a social studies teacher and coach, where I developed a passion for shaping young minds both in the classroom and on the field. Later, as a driver’s education instructor and principal, I gained valuable insights into guiding students through critical learning stages and supporting staff in creating environments where everyone can thrive.
Being both a parent and a superintendent has shown me that balancing what’s best for everyone is no easy feat. At home, we work hard to meet the unique needs of our four children—each with their own dreams and challenges. In my leadership role, I bring that same philosophy into the district, ensuring that every one of our 1,250 students has the opportunities, support, and guidance they need to succeed.
Leading with a father’s heart means I care deeply about the individual journeys of each student. Every child deserves to feel heard, supported, and challenged. Just like at home, no two children are the same, and no two students are either. Balancing their needs while focusing on our collective goal of preparing them for life beyond school is a challenge I embrace fully.
It’s why I’m committed to working alongside our incredible team of educators and staff to make decisions that always put students first. Whether it’s improving our facilities, expanding academic programs, or fostering a culture where every student feels like they belong, I want every family in Hemlock to know that we’re in this together. As superintendent, I’m not just steering the ship—I’m also on the ground every day, helping pull the sled forward.
Our district’s philosophy of #PullTheSled isn’t just a motto—it’s how we operate as a community and as a family. When we work together, we move forward, lifting each other and our students toward success. I take great pride in leading this district, not only as a superintendent but also as a father who understands the weight of these responsibilities. Every child in this district matters to me, just like my own. As they grow and reach their milestones, I feel the same responsibility for each one—to guide them, support them, and prepare them for the world ahead. Together, with the leadership and support of the Hemlock Board of Education, we’ll keep pulling forward for every student, every family, and the future of Hemlock.
— Superintendent, Educator, and Proud Father’s heart of nearly 1,250 Huskies daily