by Austin Marsman

As Martin students go back to school, there will be some new faces on staff. Recently, the Ship to Shore, (a district publication) introduced five new additions to the staff at Martin Public Schools:

• Karsten Wimbush, K-12 band teacher, brings an enthusiasm for high-energy music performance and education to every environment. His experiences ranges from teaching elementary music to high school wind ensemble and national tours of contemporary music to orchestral performances. He earned a bachelor’s degree in music education and performance from Grand Valley State University.

• Rob Harrison, wood shop teacher, has a degree in engineering tech-architecture from the University of Memphis and retired from the U.S. Navy after 22 years of service. He worked as the construction project manager at Western Michigan University. His varied experience with the construction industry, skilled trades, and service members is expected to help with his interaction with students as they explore working with their hands, being creative, and enjoying the process of completing wood working projects.

• Kim Hinga, food service director, is a 1988 graduate of Allegan High School and has a bachelor of arts degree in hotel/restaurant management from Siena Heights University. She also obtained her certified dietary manager certificate. Her food service experience consists of 25-plus years of management, including fast food and most recently 10 years running the dietary department of Lifecare Center in Plainwell. She has two children, Meggan (23) and Zander (5), both born on the same day 18 years apart. She has been married to her husband Brad for almost eight years and they live in Plainwell.

• Morgan Warner, junior-senior high school teacher, is an alumna of Martin High School. She attended Central Michigan University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree and achieved her teaching certificate in secondary education. She said she is excited to return to Martin High School, where she will teach seventh and eighth grade math, as well as high school theatre.

• Sarah Engelmann, ECSE teacher, earned her bachelor’s degree from WMU in elementary special Education with an endorsement in Early Childhood. She is also working toward a master’s degree in autism. Engelman taught 3-5 year-olds in a preschool setting for five years as well. She said she is very excited to be a part of the Martin Public Schools staff and community.

Current staff have also taken new roles. In the elementary, Cherie Kale has moved to special education; Kristie Steffes will teach computers; and Aleshia Blauvelt will teach fifth Grade. At the high school level, Barb Schipper will teach advanced math, drafting, computers and yearbook.

The school district is still looking to hire an elementary at-risk interventionist, learning lab monitor, and K-12 art teacher before the year starts.