Springdale Public Schools has named Michael Marquette as the incoming assistant principal of Hellstern Middle School.
"Springdale Public Schools is excited to welcome Michael Marquette as the new Assistant Principal of Hellstern Middle School," said Dr. Jared Cleveland, Springdale Public Schools superintendent. "Michael is a relational and collaborative leader with a deep understanding of the Professional Learning Community (PLC) process and a passion for supporting student achievement. His ability to build strong relationships with students, staff, and families, combined with his commitment to continuous improvement, will complement the outstanding work already happening at Hellstern."
"I want to thank Dr. Cleveland, the district leadership team, Mrs. Johnson, and the school board for this incredible opportunity," said Marquette. "I am truly honored and humbled to be selected to help lead the outstanding work happening at Hellstern. I am excited to learn from Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Harrison as I grow in this new role, and I look forward to building relationships with the staff, students, and families. I am also incredibly grateful to the many mentors and leaders who have invested in me throughout my career and helped prepare me for this opportunity."
Marquette is transitioning from J.O. Kelly Middle School, where he served as a sixth-grade social studies teacher and head soccer coach. He has 11 years of experience as an educator, with nine of those years dedicated to Springdale Public Schools. His teaching career in the district also includes four years at the Don Tyson School of Innovation, where he taught sixth and seventh grade social studies.
Marquette says that he hopes to bring a strong commitment to high-quality instruction and student success to his new leadership role at Hellstern.
"I believe every student has the potential to achieve at high levels, and I am passionate about supporting teachers as they create engaging learning experiences that help all students reach their full potential," Marquette said. "I look forward to collaborating with the outstanding educators at Hellstern to continue the school's tradition of excellence."
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Arkansas and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Arkansas Tech University.
Principal of Hellstern Middle School Karen Johnson welcomed Marquette to the leadership team, noting that his instructional background and passion for student achievement make him an excellent fit for the school.
“We are excited about the commitment he brings to connecting Hellstern students with community partners as they begin to explore career pathways.” said Principal Karen Johnson
Marquette has lived in Springdale for nearly three decades and is a proud graduate of Springdale High School. He and his wife, Cassie, who serves as the assistant principal at Lakeside Junior High School, have been married for 15 years and share a deep passion for serving Springdale students and families.
They have three sons who will be in fifth grade, fourth grade, and kindergarten this year at Bernice Young Elementary School. The Marquette family is incredibly grateful for the friendships and strong sense of community they have found in Springdale, a place they are proud to call home.