By By KATHIE HEMPEL / Niles Daily Star
NILES – MaryAnn DeVries is the only female candidate under consideration for the Brandywine Community Schools superintendent position.
"I have been doing a good deal of research into the area. My husband and I have come to drive around and have been by the schools involved. I am impressed," DeVries said.
Reached at her North Pennfield Elementary School office in Battle Creek, the principal said what impressed her the most was the district's strategic plan.
"The plan is very well done and they have a clear vision of where they need to go. I am very excited about the challenges the position presents," she said.
DeVries has only worked within two different districts during her 31-year career.
After getting her bachelor's degree in elementary education, she began teaching at Otsego Public Schools.
She continued with graduate studies from 1978 to 1989 in education and received her master's degree in educational leadership with an emphasis on human resource development.
"Each step I have taken in my career has been to where I felt was the next place I could make a larger impact. From teacher to principal and now to a district," DeVries said.
Married for 10 years to husband Ted, a product supply manager for a Kalamazoo distribution company, DeVries plans to move to the Niles area should she be selected for the position. The couple have talked it over and agreed that it is vital that she make her home in the district.
DeVries has a 19-year-old step-son, Eric, who is graduating from high school this year. She said this is the right time for her to pursue her own dreams and aspirations.
"I thrive on challenge. The issue facing schools these days face all schools. I know this is a big task and I am realistic enough to know that before one is in the position, it is impossible to know just how huge the job is. I believe in the big picture. I know it will take not only we, as educators, but also the community and parents to meet the challenges head on, " DeVries said.
She said she thinks educators have been so focused on delivering quality education they have ignored the politics. She thinks that has to change.
"I want people to know when I make a commitment, I keep it. I follow it through to the next challenge. I have many strengths. I am an excellent communicator and have a strong commitment to working with parents. My door is always open," DeVries said.
DeVries also wants people to understand the job cannot be done alone. She said that while the superintendent in a district may "lead the flock," it is a team comprised of teachers, staff and the community that care for it.
"My biggest joy in education has been the simple things. Today, while I was walking through the hall, a child approached me saying,' Mrs. DeVries, Mrs. DeVries, you have to listen to my story.' When kids seek you out and you can see how they are achieving their best because of your efforts, that's where the joy is," she said.
As she looks forward to her interview next week, DeVries said her number one priority has always been the same: To have a positive impact on kids.
How does the decisions made impact the kids and their education?
She wants her impact to be a positive one.