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da Vinci School District Welcomes New Superintendent, Kristi Neelis


Jackson, MI - The da Vinci School District is thrilled to announce Kristi Neelis as its new Superintendent, effective July 1, 2024. Ms. Neelis brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the district to this leadership role.

A Dedicated Leader with Proven Success
Ms. Neelis is a familiar face within the da Vinci community, having served in various capacities throughout her impressive career. Most recently, she held the position of Director of Curriculum & Instruction, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the district's academic programs.

Prior to that, Ms. Neelis served for eleven years as the Primary Principal, fostering a nurturing and successful learning environment for young students. Her foundational experience lies in the classroom, where she spent ten years as a dedicated first-grade teacher at Concord Elementary School.

Commitment to Student Achievement
Ms. Neelis is a passionate advocate for student success. Her educational background reflects this dedication, with a Bachelor's Degree in English Language Arts and a minor in Science with an Elementary Teaching Certificate from Central Michigan University. She furthered her expertise with a Master's in Curriculum and Data from Spring Arbor College and a Master's in Administration from Central Michigan University.

Leading da Vinci into the Future

"We are very excited to have Kristi Neelis as our next superintendent at daVinci Schools" said Elaine Themm, Board President of the da Vinci School District. "Kristi has been an important part of our district for many years. Her knowledge of what we need and our philosophy make her the perfect person to lead us in the right direction."

About da Vinci Schools:
It all began with a dream for students in 1995. Our goal was to create a school that would be different; a school that would be small, personal, and individualized. We believe that all children can learn, have worth, and deserve our best. We believe that we have achieved that goal. Our student-centered, personalized approach addresses the unique needs of every child from enrollment to graduation.

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