Caledonia Community Schools (CCS) has bolstered its dedicated staff by hiring two new principals and a technology director.
Dana Champion will become Emmons Lake Elementary’s new principal and Lance Jones will join CCS as principal at Paris Ridge Elementary. Both new principals will begin their new positions at CCS at the start of the upcoming school year. Scott Vugteveen has been hired as technology director for the school district.
“We’re so excited for Dana to take on a new role and to welcome Lance and Scott to the Caledonia Community Schools team,” said Dr. Dedrick Martin, superintendent at CCS. “These three exemplify our values here at CCS, and we know the growth and learning of our students is their top priority.”
Champion graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education and a minor in Elementary Education. She also completed her master’s degree through Grand Valley in Educational Leadership with a Special Education Administration concentration. Prior to coming to CCS in 2017 as an Intervention Specialist, Champion was a special education teacher at Knapp Charter Academy for five years, working with students in grades K-8.
“I am so excited to join Emmons Lake as principal and continue my passion for fostering growth for all students,” Champion said. “My experiences have shown me that when we work together as a team, we can create an environment where all students can be successful. I’m eager to meet the students and families and learn more about what makes Emmons Lake such an incredible place to be.”
Jones holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Wayne State University. He also has a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University. Jones was most recently the principal of Lakeview Community Schools’ Lakeview Elementary School.
“My journey in education has continued to prove how fortunate I am to work with students, their families, and the educators that impact these groups each day,” Jones said. “Joining an amazing community is a true blessing, and I am excited to help Paris Ridge Elementary students learn, grow and build positive relationships as they progress through their young lives.”
An IT professional with 29 years of experience, Vugteveen earned his Bachelor of Arts degrees in History and Secondary Education from Calvin College. He has combined his passion for teaching and learning with his background in the IT field. For the last 21 years, Vugteveen has worked in the Technology Department at Kentwood Public Schools.
“I’m excited to bring my skills and expertise to a great school community with a commitment to student achievement,” Vugteveen said. “As our world continues to rely more and more on technology, it plays a crucial role in our schools, and I look forward to serving CCS students and staff.”
