Dexter High School will have a new principal this fall.
Melanie Nowak has been selected as the next leader of Dexter High School out of a candidate pool of nearly 40 qualified applicants. Nowak brings with her an outstanding educational leadership background and a passion for kids. She currently serves as the Career and Innovation Coordinator for Farmington Public Schools providing leadership of the district’s Career Technical Programming.
Prior to her work in Farmington, Nowak served as the principal of multiple STEAM program buildings in Tecumseh.
“I am absolutely elated to be afforded the opportunity to join the Dexter High School team,” Nowak said. “Given Dexter’s impressive history: dynamic staff, focus on student-centered initiatives, outstanding student achievement, and unwavering community support, I couldn’t be more excited to become a Dreadnaught. Joining the Dexter High School staff is truly a realized dream. I am grateful to Dr. Timmis and the Dexter Community Schools Board of Education for this opportunity.”
Nowak is replacing longtime DHS Principal William “Kit” Moran, who announced his retirement from Dexter schools earlier this year.
As a former high school mathematics and English teacher and statewide Competency-Based Education Consultant, Nowak brings a wealth of experience and skills to lead the transition of Dexter High School to continue implementing the DCS Vision of Champion Learning: Develop, Educate, and Inspire!
Nowak is a graduate of Siena Heights University and Concordia University.
Her references describe her as a leader who “builds strong relationships within the school community…is creative and a great problem-solver…is a caring and compassionate educator…and works tirelessly to ensure that each learner has access to high-quality, rigorous learning opportunities.”
Another reference stated that “Ms. Nowak has a natural ability to connect with others, and she understands that those relationships serve as the foundation of new learning.” Throughout a multi-round interview process that began in March, Nowak was selected as the top candidate because of her passion for education, ability to build relationships with all stakeholders, incredible instructional knowledge, and demonstrated ability to translate this knowledge into actionable outcomes for students.
According to Dexter Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Christopher Timmis, “When we started the search process, we identified outstanding leaders from around the state and promised our students and staff that we would find an exceptional high school principal to continue leading Dexter High School….we could not be more excited to announce that we exceeded our expectations…Melanie Nowak will be an incredible addition to DCS and outstanding leader for Dexter High School. Her extensive experience, energy, passion for student success, experiences with high schools, and leadership skills are evident in every interaction…we are so fortunate to have Ms. Nowak joining DCS as the leader of Dexter High School.”
Executive Director of Instruction Mollie Sharrar added, “Melanie Nowak is an excellent addition to the leadership team at DCS. She brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and a passion for building relationships, supporting student growth and achievement, and leading innovative instructional practice. I am looking forward to working with her and having her leadership on the team!”
Later this spring, Ms. Nowak will have the opportunity to visit the school, meet the students, the staff, and the Dexter High School families. Her official start date will be July 1.
