St. Joseph Public Schools Superintendent Jenny Fee is stepping down.
The St. Joseph Public Schools Board of Education met Tuesday morning to accept the resignation, effective July 31.
Fee tells us that although it was a difficult decision, she had to do what was best for her family.
“I love this community,” fee said. “They’ve been so welcoming to me over the last three years, and it’s been a wonderful place to work and lead, and the staff is amazing here. But I’ve had two significant losses in my life in the time since I’ve moved to the St. Joe area, which has led to an increasing need for me to be closer to my family. And so the opportunity at the Kent ISD to lead their instruction and curriculum services was a wonderful opportunity that allowed me to get back home.”
After three years with the St. Joseph school district, Fee is accepting a role as the assistant superintendent of instructional services at the Kent Intermediate School District. St. Joe Board President Barry Conybeare says he’s thankful for Dr. Fee’s time with the district.
During the meeting on Tuesday, the board voted 7-0 to name Kristen Bawks as the new superintendent. Bawks, who is the current assistant superintendent, has been with the district for the last 20 years, and Fee saysthe district will be in good hands with her at the helm.
“Kristen Bawks is an amazing leader and she will take on the role and responsibility seamlessly. I’ve watched her over the last two years and tried to bring her in to everything that we do and she’s ready to go. It’s really comforting knowing that there will be a seamless transition in that leadership.”
Bawks will take on the new role beginning August 1.
