Meet the new principal at Macatawa Bay Middle School

HOLLAND TWP. — A longtime assistant principal at West Ottawa High School is moving to Macatawa Bay Middle School to take the building’s top role.

Jake Manning was announced Thursday, June 27, as the new principal at Macatawa Bay. He’s been an assistant principal at WOHS since 2018 and briefly served as interim principal from January-May 2022.

“Jake Manning has been a phenomenal asset to West Ottawa and a positive influence on our students, no matter (what he's tasked with),” Superintendent Tim Bearden wrote in a release. “Jake is positive, energetic, and a leader who will do great things for the students and staff at Mac Bay."

Manning was appointed after an interview process that involved teachers and staff at Macatawa Bay, district principals and administrators. He emerged in an “extremely difficult choice between exceptional internal candidates.”

The appointment is effective immediately. Manning takes over for Kristin Graham, principal since 2018, who is moving to a role with the district’s central administration team.

“Since I first began teaching in 2009, my mission has been simple: I want to impact the lives of young people,” Manning wrote in a release. “Along the way, I have been encouraged and grown by amazing teammates and fellow educators.

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“I have absolutely loved spending the last six years serving our students and staff at West Ottawa High School. My role has changed, but my goal remains the same."

Manning holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education and psychology from Hope College and a master’s in educational leadership from Michigan State University. He also played football at Hope, and at one point served as an assistant coach for the team.

Manning and his wife Bryanna have five children, all of whom are students at WO’s Lakewood Elementary.

— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.