Former Michigan Superintendent To Lead Bell Creek Academy

RIVERVIEW, FL -- Charter School Associates has selected former Michigan schools superintendent, Dr. Chris Hammill, as the next principal of Bell Creek Academy, 13221 Boyette Road in Riverview. Hammill replaces Dr. Margaret Fahringer who is moving to an area director role within the company.

Hammill has an extensive leadership background. Most recently, Hammill served as chief school operations officer for Athlos Academies in Boise, Idaho. He has also served as the superintendent of Mt. Morris Consolidated Schools in Mt. Morris, Michigan, as well as, Owossa Public Schools in Owossa, Michigan.

As a principal, Hammill has turned around two low-performing elementary schools, leading one to National Blue Ribbon status.

“Chris brings a tremendous amount of experience to Bell Creek. He has taken a single school to the point of national recognition and successfully managed the complex structure of a district. I believe this makes him the right leader for Bell Creek Academy, which is both a sixth- to eighth-grade middle school and a high school,” said Michael Strader, president of Charter School Associates.

Bell Creek Middle School and High School are both “A” rated schools based on the Florida Department of Education grading scale. Both have earned the designation of Florida High-Performing Charter School, the highest rating awarded by the Florida Department of Education.

“Bell Creek has established a strong reputation in the Hillsborough community; something of which we are all very proud," said Patricia Rogers, board chair for Advantage Academy of Hillsborough Inc., the local not-for-profit governing board that oversees BCA. "The addition of Dr. Hammill only bolsters our belief that Bell Creek will continue to be a great choice for our families.”

The board plans on hosting an open house in the coming days to introduce Hammill to the community.