Hello, my name is Tracy Hertsel.  As Superintendent of Cassopolis Public Schools it is my goal to provide the leadership necessary to provide a high quality education for the children of our school district, while maintaining a sense of community.  Being born and raised in this community gives me great pride in what the Cassopolis community has to offer.

Student achievement continues to be the number one goal in the district.  The district is focusing on alignment of curriculum to the Common Core State Standards.  Finances of the district will remain as one of the most challenging administrative issues this school year.  Increasing costs with less money coming into the district from Federal and State sources is the root of the problem.  We will continue to keep students and their academics the district’s top priority.
 
Cassopolis Public Schools is piloting a new teacher evaluation tool this school year.  Michigan Council for Educator Effectiveness (MCC) was developed to find a fair and equitable way to evaluate educators.  We are one of 14 districts in the state selected to pilot one of four evaluation tools.  At the end of this school year we will give input to the state committee to choose one or more tools to be used by the State of Michigan in the future.
 
As the holidays approach it gives us all a chance to reflect on the past year.  Many great things have happened in our lives, but also some challenges have been encountered.  This community is amazing, but this time of year it is extra special.  It is great to watch people help others in many ways.  I am glad I can be a part of such a caring community.
 
I would like to wish everyone the brightest and best holiday season!
 
Tracy D. Hertsel, Superintendent of Schoolsthertsel@cassopolis.org269-445-0503