Kent Career Tech Center Selects Next Principal

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Craig Weigel, current principal at East Grand Rapids High School, has been named the next Principal of Kent Career Tech Center. Weigel will take the reins beginning July 1, as current Tech Center Principal Joe Lienesch transitions to the role of CTE Director with Kent ISD.

“We are excited to welcome Craig to lead Kent Career Tech Center as Principal,” said Dr. Ron Gorman, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services for Kent ISD. “He has done an outstanding job as principal of East Grand Rapids High School and we look forward to having him bring his leadership, vision and experience to our team to help all students achieve their goals through real-world learning.”

Applicants selected for interviews for the position progressed through up to three rounds of interviews. Weigel excelled in each phase and received supportive feedback from Tech Center staff. Weigel brings a great deal of leadership experience as principal of high-performing East Grand Rapids High School for the past seven years. In nearly two decades as an educator before that, he served as elementary school principal, assistant high school principal, athletic director and biology teacher in several public school districts in Michigan and Florida.

“I am honored to step into the role of Principal at Kent Career Tech Center!” said Craig Weigel. “Through collaboration with the exceptional staff of the Tech Center, I look forward to advancing meaningful, career-focused program opportunities for students throughout Kent ISD.” Weigel will begin as Kent Career Tech Center Principal on July 1.

The Tech Center offers nearly 30 career-focused programs for high school juniors and seniors who get hands-on experience in high-tech labs while having opportunities to earn free high school, technical school and college credit. Each program prepares students for success in career and college, and many offer opportunities to earn professional certifications. 

Please direct media inquiries to Joy Walczak, Kent ISD Communications Specialist at joywalczak@kentisd.org or 906.632.6290.