By Tara Cavanaugh

This year, Bach, Burns Park and Pattengill elementary schools, along with Clague Middle and Skyline High School, are welcoming new principals.

Cory McElmeel, Skyline High School

Work highlights: Principal of New Tech High School in Ypsilanti, co-principal of Ypsilanti High School, fifth grade teacher at Erickson Elementary

Education: Bachelor’s in Elementary Ed with a science major, Master’s in Educational Leadership and K-12 Administration from Eastern Michigan University

Family: Wife teaches in Plymouth-Canton district, three children ages 7, 5 and 3

In his own words: “I believe strongly in our small learning communities, I believe strongly in our magnet programs and the mastery learning approach. What I look forward to is taking this school to the next level in terms of implementing all the things this school was designed around.”

Ché Carter, Clague Middle School

Work highlights: First and second grade teacher at Bryant, Forsythe Principal, most recently Pattengill Principal

Education: Attended Northside Elementary, Clague Middle School and Huron High School, Bachelor’s in Language Arts and Master’s in K-12 Curriculum and Instruction from Eastern Michigan University

Family: Married with two kids, daughter attends Scarlett Middle School

In his own words: “I want to see students become accountable, responsible service leaders — lifelong learners prepared to meet the challenges of a diverse society.”

Melita Alston, Pattengill Elementary School

Work highlights: Assistant Principal and Principal of Nataki Talibah Schoolhouse of Detroit, a charter school; elementary teacher in Chicago Public Schools and Detroit Public Schools

Education: Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from the University of Michigan, Master’s in Educational Leadership from Wayne State University

Family: Married with two boys, ages 1 and 3

In her own words: “I’m just glad to be here. Let’s all continue to have this commitment to do what’s best for kids to give them an exceptional education.”

Chuck Hatt, Burns Park Elementary School

Work highlights: First and second grade teacher at Bryant, fourth and fifth grade teacher at Pattengill, Literacy and Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator for the district for the past six years

Education: Bachelor’s in History from the University of Houston, Master’s in English Language Arts and Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University

Family: Married with three sons, one who teaches fifth grade at Pattengill; his daughter-in-law teaches fourth grade at Mitchell

In his own words: “What keeps educators motivated and energized is seeing the awakening in young learners, and seeing families find the value and resources in the community. Being part of that in a personal way is very exciting and energizing for me.”

Hyeuo Min Park, Bach Elementary School

Work highlights: Principal of Creekside Elementary in Dexter, taught fifth grade at Logan Elementary for seven years

Education: Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Columbia Union College, Master’s in TESOL from EMU, almost finished with EMU Educational Specialist degree

Family: Recently married

In his own words: “K-5 really builds a foundation. If we can build a love of learning, and help kids be successful, they’ll be successful in life. We have an awesome responsibility to kids.”