CPS School Board: New Beginnings and a Legacy of Leadership

As we celebrate School Board Appreciation Month this January, Charlotte Public Schools is excited to welcome new leaders while honoring the dedicated service of those who shaped our success. With a commitment to collaboration, growth, and community, CPS is ready to continue its mission of providing students and staff with opportunities for greater success. We’re excited to introduce our new board members and share the inspirations behind their decision to join the Charlotte Public Schools Board of Education.

Bradley Wurfel, a parent who moved to Charlotte in 2015, shared his inspiration for joining the board: “I believe schools are the heart and hub of every community. When they are solid and doing the job of preparing kids for successful futures, it drives every other metric of community success. I wanted to be a part of that.” For Bradley, joining the school board was a natural extension of his commitment to the community. “I’m proud to live in a place where that participation ethic is vibrant among the parents.” 

Jill Shaver, a passionate educator with a background in elementary and special education and Executive Director of Eaton Foster Closet, has deep roots in the community. "I am thrilled to join the Charlotte Public Schools School Board, where I can contribute to impactful decision-making and help ensure our district continues moving forward, supporting the success of all students." With three children in the schools, Jill is committed to helping CPS grow to its full potential for the benefit of all students and the Charlotte community. 

Kate Durda, a resident of Eaton County for over 35 years with a Master's in Developmental Psychology from Michigan State, values education as essential to individual fulfillment and community success. Since retiring in 2020, after a career in mental health and social services,  she’s eager to give back, saying, "I look forward to hearing from parents, teachers, and especially students, who have input into how to make CPS the best!" Kate is passionate about fostering collaboration, providing support to teachers, and ensuring all students have access to the best educational opportunities to create the gift of education.

While we welcome these new voices, we also take time to honor the tremendous contributions of departing board members Caleb Buhs, Marci Kohler, and Stacey Gingrich whose leadership has been essential in shaping the district into what it is today.

As past Board President, Stacey Gingrich’s exceptional leadership guided Charlotte Public Schools through key challenges, leaving a lasting positive impact on the district’s direction and success. Her commitment to the district’s growth and her ability to make informed decisions helped ensure a bright future for the students and community.

Caleb Buhs, a board member since 2011, has been an unwavering advocate for Charlotte students. Growing up in Charlotte and returning after high school, Caleb’s personal connection to the community drives his commitment to ensuring Charlotte remains a place where all students can thrive. “What I value most about Charlotte is that it's large enough to provide resources for students, but small enough for meaningful conversations between parents, staff, and board members,” Caleb shared. His leadership has been key in significant changes, including the reopening of Galewood Elementary and the success of the Weymouth Child Development Center.

Marci Kohler’s time on the Charlotte Public Schools Board of Education was marked by her deep commitment to the community and dedication to all students. Reflecting on her service, she shared, “Every decision made as a board member affects the whole community, not just individual families. It’s about working together to find solutions that serve all students.” Marci’s focus on collaborative relationships and her valuable parent perspective has had a lasting impact. Though her board service has ended, she remains engaged through the Athletic Advisory Committee and other initiatives, continuing to support staff, students, and the district’s growth.

Among the many decisions made by departing board members, they themselves point to hiring Superintendent Dr. Mandy Stewart at the onset of the pandemic as one of the most impactful. From completing the 2020 bond project to advancing phase one of the Strategic Flight Plan, Dr. Stewart’s open communication with students, staff, community members, and key stakeholders has driven this progress, fostering a shared sense of pride and ownership in the district’s future. As Caleb Buhs insightfully said, “The board and community have built a culture of listening, adapting, and collaborating to create the best possible experience for every student.”

With the legacy of our departing board members, the expertise of our new members, and Dr. Stewart’s continued leadership, CPS is set to reach even greater heights in the coming years! 

Go Orioles! Oriole Pride!

Ren Hauler 

Communication and Engagement Specialist 

Charlotte Public Schools