The Michigan Association of Public School Academies, the state’s united voice for charter schools, announced Julie Kildee of Holly Academy as their 11th winner of the Administrator of the Year Award at the annual Michigan Charter School Conference in Detroit. Over 1100 school principals, directors, and superintendants were in the running for this prestigious award. The top five finalists came from charter schools in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Spring Lake and Holly. Criteria for the award included academic achievement and growth, innovation, and staff development.
“Julie epitomizes what charter schools are all about – quality, innovation and excellence in education,” said Dan Quisenberry, President of MAPSA. “She’s doing a superb job of preparing students for higher education, a successful future and meaningful careers in the 21st century.”
Kildee has been leading Holly Academy, a self-managed school, for 14 years and has seen incredible growth in student population. Last year the school added a 15,000 square foot addition to accommodate the growth. Kildee was nominated by parents and staff of her school.
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“Julie gives us a direction and a focus,” said Curriculum Director Lisa Leimeister. “That focus is on our students”. Holly Academy is not new to winning awards, it was recognized as a Michigan School of Excellence in 2011 and a Reward School in the spring of 2012.