APS Superintendent considers new position
ALPENA, Mich. — You’ve probably gotten familiar with Alpena Public Schools’ Superintendent John VanWagoner on our newscast and throughout the community.
Now Dr. VanWagoner has a new opportunity on the horizon, after being offered a role by another district in Michigan.
“I was recruited by a search consultant with the Traverse City Area Public Schools Board of Education that hired.
VanWagoner has spearheaded a number of changes within the district, from advocating to keep students safe, warm and dry with this year’s bond proposal, to raising funds for athletics programs, and expanding Alpena High School’s CTE program. He says with the support of other APS educators, he takes pride in the work that’s been done to prioritize the students’ learning and well–being.
“I’ve worked with a lot of people that do great work together. We’ve been able to do a lot of great things with bringing a lot of STEM-related programs into the district, bolstering robotics-what we’ve done in career and tech ed to be able to expand and re–do those facilities.”
As he considers the new position in Traverse City, VanWager says he’s putting thought into what he’ll need to do to make things run smoothly if a new person does have to take over his position.
“I want to make sure that as i’m transitioning, that I leave this district in a position to be very successful and that the kids have every opportunity to be successful into the future.”
Dr. Vanwagoner says he’s thoroughly enjoyed his time in Alpena and has not yet made a commitment. He says he will inform community members once he makes his final decision.
