An experienced administrator who believes middle school students have unique educational needs has been named principal of Zemmer Middle School.Matt Olson, currently principal at Sherman Middle School and Richert Intermediate School in the Holly School District, will begin his new job with Lapeer Community Schools on July 1, 2010.
Mr. Olson said he was interested in the Zemmer position because his philosophy matches that of the district in terms of educating middle school students.
“I am a middle school guy through and through,” Mr. Olson said. “When I saw what Lapeer was doing and the groundwork in the program they are establishing, all the effort to create a true middle school that is not older elementary school or young high school, I wanted to join.
“I believe they (middle school students) are truly unique and have unique needs. The district feels the same way.”
Lapeer is launching a new middle school program designed to be a better bridge between the elementary and high school years and to help students prepare and meet the Michigan Merit Curriculum requirements for high school graduation. Mr. Olson said he is eager to become involved in that program.
“I am incredibly excited about this,” he said. “It’s a great position and I can’t wait to start.”
Mr. Olson earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan-Flint and earned his master’s degree in educational administration from Michigan State University. He currently is pursuing an educational specialist degree from Oakland University.
He also has worked in the Mt. Morris and Carman-Ainsworth school districts.
