About Us

Message from the Superintendent

Thank you for choosing Charlevoix Public Schools! It is an honor to serve as the superintendent of the Charlevoix Public School District. I am in my 9th year with CPS and my 33rd year in education, I am excited about this school year and the opportunity to share more about my background with the CPS community.

After graduating with a teaching degree from Mankato State University, I began my career in education in 1991 as a fourth-grade teacher in Big Rapids, MI. During this time, I also had the privilege of coaching track and cross country. In 1993, I furthered my education by earning a master’s degree in educational leadership from Central Michigan University. Following this, in 1998, I assumed the role of an elementary principal in Ludington, a position I held for 17 years.

In 2013, I returned to the classroom to pursue an educational specialist degree from Grand Valley State University, which provided valuable preparation for my ultimate goal of becoming a superintendent. In 2015, an exciting opportunity arose when the superintendent position became available in Charlevoix. I eagerly applied and was appointed by the board of education, commencing my tenure on July 1, 2015.

My family has been the cornerstone of my life. My wife, Julie, who hails from England and was raised in Scotland, works as an optometrist at Grand Traverse Ophthalmology Clinic (GTOC). We are proud parents to four children: Matthew, who is a patent attorney in Washington, D.C.; David, a graduate of CPS, is a software consultant for Dynatrace in Lansing; Alan, also a CPS graduate, is currently a senior at Ferris State University, who will be attending the Michigan College of Optometry in the fall; and Kate, our youngest, is a senior at CMHS.

Throughout my time at CPS, I have been privileged to collaborate with outstanding staff, board of education members, students, families, and community partners. I continue to be filled with enthusiasm and confidence in our continued service to the district and community.

Go Rayders!

Mike Ritter, Superintendent