Whether learning online or in the classroom, having more options for students to achieve their high school education can lead to more graduates and brighter futures.

This has been Rich Klemm’s goal since he first began serving the Niles Community School District as the principal to Cedar Lane High School in 2003 and later as the district’s assistant superintendent, where his role has been to oversee the alternative education programs, among other duties.

Klemm announced his retirement earlier this year. His final day of work will be Friday. Klemm has served the district in a number of educational positions for more than 20 years.

But those who worked closely with him, say his legacy on the district will continue.

As the assistant superintendent, Klemm has helped to provide students throughout the district an alternative to achieving their high school education in an environment that seeks to work best for their lifestyle and learning abilities.

“One size does not fit all,” Klemm said in an interview Friday. “Some students need a smaller setting with fewer kids in the classroom.”

Unique to Niles, the district has offered a variety of options for students to earn a secondary credential, including Cedar Lane Alternative High School, Adult Education, Widening Advancement for Youth program and the Homeschool Partnership.

Under Klemm’s direction as principal of Cedar Lane, the district implemented the national WAY program in 2011. WAY blends online and in-classroom learning.

By increasing the options for students, Klemm helped increase student enrollment from 60 to 85 in 2003. Since the addition of WAY, the program typically has about 120 students at a time enrolled. A middle school program called WAY Forward is also available to students and currently has about 30 students participating.

This year the alternative education programs graduated a total of 49 students across the district in May.

From an early age, Klemm said he knew he had a passion for education. As a child growing up in Coloma, Klemm said he had a number of encouraging teachers and school coaches that made a deep impact on him.

Looking back, Klemm said they helped him to realize the impression a positive role model can have on a child’s life.

Klemm went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology from Western Michigan University and master’s degree in administrative science with a concentration in education from Johns Hopkins University.

Prior to his work with the Niles Community School District, Klemm worked as a probation officer and assistant director for residential services in Fairfax County, Virginia.

In 1996, after moving his family back to Niles, Klemm began working for Ring Lardner as a behavior specialist. Through the position, Klemm functioned as a resource for teachers and students alike and conducted classes on coping skills, life skills and anger management and classroom behavior.

“I loved that job,” Klemm said in an interview Friday. “It was awesome.”

In 2000, Klemm took a job as the assistant principal of Ring Lardner. From 2003 to 2013, he served as the principal of Cedar Lane and the Adult Education program.

When the position for assistant superintendent opened up, Klemm said he saw an opportunity.

“It kept me working with students, which is my passion but on a district wide level, kindergarten through 12,” Klemm said. “I felt like I could have an impact on more students and be a resource for more staff.”

Through his experience working with youth over the years, Klemm said he developed a knack for helping students to overcome the barriers that kept them from academic success.

“It is very rewarding [to] basically help them help themselves,” Klemm said.

For those enrolled, the alternative education programs in Niles have not only offered students flexibility in academic career, but also the chance to connect with staff who care.

Of all he has accomplished through his career with the district, Klemm said he is proud of the people he chosen to lead the team. John Fonash, the principal of Cedar Lane was one such person.

Fonash has worked with Klemm for 13 years. In a phone interview Friday, Fonash praised Klemm’s leadership throughout that time.

“He is the most patient person I have event met,” Fonash said. “He was always able to maintain a balanced approach to difficult situations and handled tough [problems] with dignity and respect.”

Niles Community School District Superintendent Dan Applegate echoed this praise.

“We have got a lot of alternative programs to help students who have struggled, both academically and behaviorally and [Klemm] started many of those programs,” Applegate said. “He will be missed because of his understanding and compassion for the at-risk kids in the program.”

After Klemm wraps up Friday, he said he plans to spend his time becoming more involved with the native Pokagon Tribe, of which he is a member. He will be working part-time as a gaming commissioner for the tribe. Additionally he plans on spending more time kayaking and enjoying nature.

While a new assistant superintendent has not yet been officially hired, Applegate said they have been recruiting candidates for the position. They are expected to pick the next assistant superintendent before the school year begins.

Klemm’s advice to his successor is to never lose sight of the role of the job.

“Keep your focus on the kids,” he said, “then, the answer to most of your questions will be easier to find.”