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She replaces interim leader Patrick Bootz, wo was hired at the beginning of the year to lead the district after the former superintendent, Jim Emery, left to take a similar position with the Bellaire Public Schools.

Spearing is currently the executive director of community services for the Muskegon Public Schools. In this capacity she oversees programs like adult education, Head Start, the alternative high school, the after school program, the shared time program, the district's marketing program, and others. After ten years in the Grand Rapids public schools, the highly regarded Muskegon district has employed her for twelve and a half years.

School Board Vice President Tom Tomalka was part of a six-person team traveling to Muskegon for an evaluation visit. He is enthusiastic about what the team found.

"The most satisfying thing we found about Lynn was all the people who work for her or with her said that if it weren't for her, certain programs would not have been accomplished. They credited her for success while at the same time, she was crediting them for success. Everything she touched in her district represented her ability to empower others and get things done. We fell in love with her programs and what she has been able to do," he said.

He went on to say, "She is a dynamic, energetic, creative thinker, and no matter what the topic of conversation was, it always focused on what was best for kids." Bootz was also favorably impressed. In a recent visit, Bootz took Spearing on a tour and described her as, "very personable, and she interacted with kids very well."

In their search, the board considered six candidates.

"This speaks well for our district", said Tomalka.

The board was unanimous in their evaluation and choice of Spearing. Her resume was impeccable and she interviewed very well. There is great appreciation for the willingness o Bootz to step in and keep the district from missing a beat during the search process, and the belief is that Spearing will be the kind of administrator who will take the baton from hi and move the district forward.

Spearing shares the board's enthusiasm for this move.

"Everyone associated with Ellsworth Schools that I have met has impressed me, including students, faculty and community members. My first goal is to get to know the school and its current goals, and then help lead them to a shared vision. I really believe that since I have experience at all levels, including extensive grant writing and marketing, I can help accomplish those objectives.," she said.

She grew up in Alma, Mich. Her husband is retired, and they have two grandchildren in Suttons Bay. They are in the process of buying a house here, and hope to be in their new home by mid June.

"We are very excited about joining this community. I grew up in a small town, and I have always wanted to return to a small town," she said.

"We are all feeling very fortunate to have her, and in these times of Ôschools of choice', her addition to our district and community makes Ellsworth an even more viable, quality educational choice for parents," Tomalka said.