AARON YONKE

KINGSFORD — Aaron Yonke has been chosen to be the next superintendent of Breitung Township Schools, the school board announced Friday in a news release.

Yonke, the current assistant high school principal, will succeed David Holmes, who is set to retire at the end of June.

“We are very excited to welcome Mr. Yonke as the next Breitung Township Schools superintendent. Aaron has proven himself to be an excellent leader of great integrity in the field of education,” Board President Angela Hall said in the news release. “He has demonstrated true passion for Breitung Township Schools and the success of all students. The board is confident that Mr. Yonke’s vision and growth mindset will continue to foster the district’s tradition of excellence.”

Yonke brings with him considerable experience in education, in both Michigan and Wisconsin. Before becoming assistant principal at Kingsford High School, he spent 14 years in the classroom as a secondary social studies teacher. In addition, he was a coach/advisor for several extracurricular programs, where he was able to work with students in settings outside of the classroom.

Selection criteria were generated based on the input of numerous community members, parents and staff via an online survey, the board’s news release stated. Community members provided immediate feedback during the preliminary candidate interviews.

“The Board of Education appreciates the district’s citizens and staff support of the process,” Hall said.

Yonke said he’s excited to take on a greater leadership role. “I am truly honored to be selected for this position and looking forward to the opportunity to carry on the rich traditions of Breitung Township Schools,” he said.

Yonke added he wants to hear from stakeholders of the Breitung Township community as he begins the transition to a new role. “I am eager to engage in meaningful conversations with our Board of Education, staff members, community members, and organizations who all share a goal of continuing to make Breitung Township Schools an extraordinary school system. Regardless of our different roles and backgrounds, we all have in common a great sense of pride in being members of Flivver Nation,” he said.

Yonke and the school board are in contract negotiations, with the new superintendent expected to assume the position July 1.