PARK TWP., MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Feb. 10, 2022) – The Principal vacancy at West Ottawa High has been filled.
West Ottawa Public Schools announced on Thursday the appointment of Kristy Jernigan as the new operational leader of the district’s high school, replacing Jason Reinecke. It’s a promotion for Jernigan, who is the daughter of a one-time district administrator, graduated from WOHS in 1998, and was a math teacher at the high school before becoming principal at Lakeshore Elementary School.
“This place was my home for so many years and I am thrilled to, once again, serve the students of West Ottawa High School,” Jernigan said in a district statement. “WOHS has such a rich history of excellence and opportunity and I am excited to continue that good work.”
“We couldn’t be more thrilled that Kristy has accepted the opportunity to return to WOHS,” said West Ottawa School Superintendent Tim Bearden. “She is a person of infectious positive spirit, with a deep commitment to West Ottawa and its students. She has a clear and exciting vision for the future of the high school, and we’re excited for her to get started.”
Jernigan will begin her new role on February 28th, taking over for Jake Manning, who assumed the interim principal duties when Reinecke left in December to become Assistant Superintendent at Grand Haven Area Public Schools. Third-grade teacher Scott Follett will be Lakeshore Elementary’s interim principal for the rest of Academic 2022.
