Washtenaw International High School consortium leaders name principal for new program
Leaders of the countywide consortium to form Washtenaw International High School, the new International Baccalaureate program, named the consultant who has been assisting with the school’s development as its first principal.
Bert Okma, who also founded and served as principal at the International Academy in Oakland County, will begin serving as principal on July 1. He currently serves as a member of the International Baccalaureate Organization Board of Governors.
“It is exciting and gratifying to extend the benefits of an international curriculum to the students of Washtenaw County,” Okma said in a statement, “particularly when the education will be rooted in both challenging expectations and a student-centered culture.”
US News and World Report recognized the International Academy in 2009 as the No. 2 public high school in the United States.
Bryan Girbach, superintendent of Milan Area Schools and a member of the consortium leadership committee, said schools leaders are excited to have Okma as principal.
“We’re pleased that Mr. Okma has agreed to move from consultant to principal,” Girbach said. “His experience, expertise and leadership will serve both the students and school well.”
Kyle Feldscher covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.
Comments
Spyker
Wed, Mar 23, 2011 : 11:17 a.m.
WOW! What a coup by the Washtenaw International High School. Bert is arguably the top candidate in the country for such a position and is a truly outstanding individual. This selection removes all doubt as to the future success of WIHS. The International Academy in Bloomfield Hills, which was founded by Bert, has been selected as one of the Top 5 High Schools in the country every year since its inception.
dougfroma2
Tue, Mar 22, 2011 : 6:05 p.m.
Is this a private or public school? If private, thanks for investing in the community. If public, what is your funding source? Also, if public, what are you offering that 10 other school districts in Washtenaw County do not offer?
Kyle Feldscher
Tue, Mar 22, 2011 : 6:10 p.m.
This is, in fact, a public school that will be funded by the WISD up front and the foundation allowance for each student attending the school will be paid by that district. As far as what the program offers that is different than the other school districts in the county, I'll point you to the story I wrote when the initial presentation was made to the AAPS school board in September. Here's the link: <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/news/ann-arbor-school-board-considering-joining-countywide-international-baccalaureate-program/">http://www.annarbor.com/news/ann-arbor-school-board-considering-joining-countywide-international-baccalaureate-program/</a>