We are excited to introduce our new K-12 Principal, Chris Reeve. Chris is an experienced educator and a perfect fit for our district. Here is some additional information about Chris:

Tell us about your Education career!

I have been in education for twelve years, with six of those being in the classroom and six being an administrator. I started my career teaching middle school social studies in Muskegon Heights. After a few years, I taught middle and high school social studies at Grand Rapids Public Schools. At the time, this was my dream teaching job as I was working in a school only two miles from my home in the heart of the city. I eventually left the classroom to take an administrative position with Allegan Public Schools where I spent five years as the middle school assistant principal, and one year as the principal. I'm grateful for all I learned and experienced there and the wonderful people and community I was able to work with. 

What is your Education background?

I am a proud graduate of Central Michigan University where I received a Bachelors in Education. I later attended Grand Valley State University for a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership. 

What drew you to join the team at SBPS?

We want to raise our family in a connected community with deep roots. The team at SBPS has been incredibly welcoming and we are excited to meet everyone! From my first interactions with the people I have met, I can tell this is a collaborative group of educators and I feel honored to be part of the team. I look forward to working for Suttons Bay and getting to know the staff, students, and community. 

What do you love about your career in Education?

It is work that allows you to develop relationships with people that are long lasting and impactful. Working with students daily keeps you energized and creative! I am constantly learning new things from my students while helping them grow, work through adversity, and reach their full potential on a daily basis. 

Tell us about yourself!

I have spent most of my life living in the Grand Rapids area, but my wife and I have dreamed of living in Northern Michigan for over a decade!  My wife Anna and I have been married for eight years. She has a career in medical social work. We have a four year old son, Walter, who loves anything on wheels. We enjoy spending time with family and friends and any outdoor activity. We hope to introduce our son to skiing this winter! 

Any additional thoughts you'd like to share with our families and the SB community?

I want to thank Suttons Bay Public Schools and the community for allowing me to serve as principal. I am committed to contributing to the ongoing success your teams have cultivated here and really looking forward to getting started.

We are excited to share that Libby Wadsworth (SBPS K/1 Teacher) has accepted the position of Elementary Principal and Director of Professional Learning beginning with the 2024-25 school year! Our entire team is confident that Mrs. Wadsworth is a perfect fit for this role due to her unique skill set, positive and joyful personality, and meaningful connections with all students and staff.

We know she is a familiar face to many of you, but thought we'd share a fun FAQ for those that would like to get to know her better!

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How long have you been a teacher?

9 years! I taught Kindergarten in Houghton Lake for 4 years. At SBPS I taught 2nd grade the first year, and have spent the past 4 years in the K/1 cohort. I have absolutely loved my time spent in the classroom and I plan to be a really hands-on administrator and spend as much time with students as possible!

What is your education background?

I went to MSU and have a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood Education Endorsement, and a Masters Degree in Educational Technology.

Tell us about your family:

I live with my husband, Spencer, and our 2 year old son Murphy! We love living in Northern Michigan and our favorite thing to do together is anything outside. I can't wait for Murph to join me at SBPS in our Lil' Norsemen Program when he is old enough!

In 2022, Mrs. Wadsworth was presented with the “Top 10 Educators of the Year” by Northwest Ed/TBAISD:

I was nominated by my colleagues and our SB community in recognition of my dedication to student success and positive impact on our school community. It was such an honor to be recognized by my colleagues that I look up to so much.

We asked Mrs. Wadsworth why she is drawn to Elementary education….here was her answer!

“I love teaching our youngest learners in the Elementary because I feel it is SO important for us to set our students up for success from the very beginning of their educational journey! I believe that it is important to create a school environment that promotes respect, safety, responsibility, problem solving, and trust. I believe learning should be enjoyable, rewarding, and meaningful for all students and know how important it is to hold students to high standards while also making sure their needs are met. 

I am so thankful to work with such amazing staff, students, and families at Suttons Bay Elementary and I'm excited to help make this a smooth and fun transition into the 2024-2025 school year!”

Libby's knowledge of our district systems, structures, and people will help us continue moving forward together in the Elementary building for the upcoming school year. Please join us in welcoming Principal Wadsworth to her new role!