<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4QhqzB_0vD1npNN00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4QhqzB_0vD1npNN00" width="650" height="433" ><figcaption>Then-Onekama interim principal Charles Schwarz speaks May 19, 2024 during a graduation ceremony. Schwarz was hired Aug. 26, 2024 to serve as interim director of CASMAN Academy. (File photo) </figcaption></figure> MANISTEE — <a href="https://casman.org/" rel="nofollow"> CASMAN Academy's </a> former director Shelly VanVoorst&nbsp;heading to <a href="https://www.manisteemariners.org/" rel="nofollow"> Manistee Area Public Schools </a> to <a href="https://www.manisteenews.com/news/article/maps-hires-new-kennedy-elementary-principal-19658894.php" rel="nofollow"> take on the role of Kennedy Elementary School principal </a> left the charter school with some big shoes to fill. The CASMAN school board took action Monday to hire Charlie Schwarz as interim director for a term not to exceed 30 working days without board approval. "And that 30 days, as I'm sure you guys understand, is not based on five days per week — that's based on two to three days per week," said board president Layne Godzina. Schwarz most recently served as interim principal for <a href="https://www.ocs.manistee.org/" rel="nofollow"> Onekama Consolidated Schools </a> for the 2023-24 school year. Administrative assistant Cindy Turk and and teacher Bill Kinnunen will head the school on days Schwarz does not work. "We figured that was a better approach to have two joint heads — people that have been here longer," VanVoorst said. "Gabe (Evans) will still be doing discipline as far as dean of students goes and handling his normal jobs, and Charlie is also available by phone." VanVoorst said the job listing has been posted and people have already submitted applications. "In theory we would like to turn around and not make (the interim role) a long-term position," she said. "Get the other person in here and get them comfortable and get them rolling." <figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0alkgf_0vD1npNN00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0alkgf_0vD1npNN00" width="650" height="434" ><figcaption>The CASMAN Academy Board of Education hires Charlie Schwarz as the school's interim director Aug. 26, 2024 during a regular meeting. (Kyle Kotecki/News Advocate) </figcaption></figure> Applications are being sent to the <a href="https://manistee.org/" rel="nofollow"> Manistee Intermediate School District </a> , and ISD staff will sort through them and make sure the applicants have the requisite credentials before the final decision&nbsp;goes to the CASMAN board. "I think at a time like this we have to rely on the ISD as a professional consultant and take their opinion. ... They're the experts on this," said board vice president Ben Beaumont. "...&nbsp;Not that we want to push off the responsibility by any stretch, but just like when I was teaching special ed I had to rely on the ISD tremendously to make sure everything was done properly, and I think this is the same exact situation. That's what the ISD is for." As it was VanVoorst's last CASMAN board meeting, she bid a fond farewell to the board members. "I just want to thank all of you for making my job here very easy. Layne was on the board when I walked into this position, and CASMAN was a completely different school at that point," she said. "... It has been very rewarding being here. ... Please know that CASMAN is always my first school home and that it will remain heavy on my heart forever." Beaumont said VanVoorst was a fantastic teacher and mentor, and credited her with turning things around at&nbsp;CASMAN. "Everything that's positive about CASMAN is 100% a direct reflection on you as a leader, as a teacher, as a person," Beaumont said. "I&nbsp;don't think any of us would be sitting here right now if it wasn't for you." </div></body>

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CASMAN Academy hires Schwarz as interim director

The CASMAN Academy Board of Education took action Monday to hire an interim director.