Battle Creek schools announce principals, honor staff and mark retirements

At the Dec. 16 meeting, Battle Creek Public Schools announced leadership moves and recognized staff achievements.

Dr. Carter told the board that Courtney Shorter has accepted the K–8 principal role at the Northwestern Academy of Visual and Performing Arts and will transition to the position in July 2025 from her current role as principal at Valley View Elementary. Shorter spoke briefly, calling the appointment an "honor" and a "dream come true."

The board also announced Andrea Justice will serve as interim principal at Springfield Middle School beginning Jan. 6. Dr. Carter praised Justice's record mentoring new teachers and leading professional learning communities.

Separately, Dr. Carter presented the district's "Whatever It Takes" awards for November to staff who supported colleagues and students: Carrie (Keri/Carrie) Smith, Robin Beyer, Mary Horn (high school kitchen manager) and Amanda Dalloway (math teacher at the Battle Creek Area Math and Science Center). The superintendent invited applause and thanked the recipients for going "above and beyond."

The board also formally recognized the retirements of Patty Poole Gray and Catherine LaValle, thanking them for long service and presenting a small token of the district's appreciation. Multiple trustees offered personal remarks about the outgoing members' leadership and mentorship.

No personnel disputes or contract changes related to these appointments were recorded during the announcements; implementation timelines for Shorter's July transition and Justice's Jan. 6 start were stated but detailed operational steps were not reviewed on the floor.