The Clare-Gladwin Regional Education Service District has a new leader.
Mager will come aboard as the district superintendent in July, and she’s eager to get started.
“I can’t wait to join this group of dedicated professionals at the RESD,” said Mager, who is wrapping up her third year at Meridian. “First and foremost, I’m grateful to the board for entrusting me with this jewel of an organization that Sheryl (Presler) and this staff have built. CGRESD has an excellent reputation among educators statewide, and to uphold and try to elevate those expectations is a challenge I’m eager to meet.”
At a special Board of Education meeting of Regional Education Service District on Tuesday, board members voted unanimously to approve the contract that seals the deal with Mager following a comprehensive search to replace Presler, who’s retiring after 15 years as the superintendent.
“Tara really emphasized her desire to serve and lead – in that order,” said Board President Barbara Richards. “She has all the tangibles, having served at the levels of instructor, counselor, principal and superintendent. But she’s also demonstrated those crucial leadership intangibles – the ability to collaborate, pool resources and rally folks together for a common goal. This job calls for all of that and more, and the board is completely confident in her ability to lead this organization to even greater heights.”
More than a dozen people applied for the job; the board interviewed four, including Mager, who was selected following her second interview May 9. Richards cited Mager’s performance in and out of the school setting as a distinguishing characteristic among several impressive candidates.
Before her time at Meridian schools, Tara Mager served dual roles as superintendent and principal at Merrill Community Schools and as a guidance counselor for several years.
Later this year, she is expected to complete her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at Eastern Michigan University. Mager earned her M.A. in Counseling from Michigan State University and her B.S. in Community Service from Central Michigan University.
When Mager’s title becomes official on July 1, Presler will be reassigned as CGRESD’s associate superintendent. Presler plans to leave the CGRESD on Sept. 30.
