Secondary English teacher Ben Lantz was appointed interim middle school principal by the Suttons Bay Board of Education this week.

Lantz replaces Cody Inglis, who left the district Feb. 1 to take a position as athletic director for Traverse City Central High School.

Inglis’ former athletic director duties are being shared, short-term, by Cheryl Knudsen, who worked jointly with Inglis for years, and high school Principal Raph Rittenhouse. Knudsen’s hours were increased to fill the void left by Inglis’ departure. The remainder of the job, primarily on-site supervision during events, will be taken on by Rittenhouse.

Board members also supported hiring Bonnie Modroo to take over for Lantz for the remainder of the school year. Modroo, who had been working as a middle school speech teacher for one hour daily, will be replaced short-term by Kyra Woodward.

All assignments were recommended by Superintendent Mike Murray.

A long-term principal and athletic director are expected to be identified by the end of the school year.

In related business during the 70-minute meeting, board members approved a slate of spring coaches as recommended by Murray.

They are:
• Mark Smith, as new boys varsity track coach, also replacing Inglis. Smith was the Norsemen cross country coach last fall.

• Jen Kloosterman, varsity girls softball coach. She has served in this position for the past two years.

• Ryan DeFour, varsity girls soccer coach. He will begin his third year at the helm of this program.

• Todd Hursey, varsity golf coach, in his ninth year.

• Doug Periard, in his 11th year as boys’ varsity baseball coach.

• Stan Pasch, who has served as girls’ varsity track coach for 25 years.