By Dennis Volkert
Britt Gross has been named assistant superintendent at Sturgis Public Schools.
The board of education approved the decision Monday at a special meeting, where she was introduced.
Gross served in several capacities at Polk County Public Schools in Florida, most recently as middle school principal at Lake Alfred Polytech Academy. She also worked as assistant principal of curriculum, was director of multiple pathways and special projects, director of student learning and evaluation, senior coordinator, assistant principal and freshman academy dean.
She has a Bachelor of Science in English and American literature and language from Eastern Michigan University, and Master of Arts in education for administration and supervision, adult education and training and curriculum and instruction from University of Phoenix.
“I am extremely honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve the students and staff of Sturgis Public Schools,” Gross said, in a prepared statement. “Working together, I am confident we can provide all learners in our schools with the education opportunities to meet their individual needs and achieve their future goals.”
At the meeting, Gross said she is “very excited about joining the team” and said she fell in love with Sturgis during a recent visit.
“It’s an amazing community,” she said. “I hope to become an active member.”
Superintendent Art Ebert provided comments about the selection of Gross.
“We are confident that Ms. Gross will help us propel our teaching and learning environments in alignment with our new strategic plan,” Ebert said. “She has a proven track record of creating a positive school culture and building systems that get results on behalf of those she serves.”
Twelve candidates applied for the assistant superintendent position. Ebert conducted telephone interviews with 11 of those. Five were invited to a first round of in-person interviews, then the field was narrowed to three, meeting with a separate panel.
Gross succeeds Nicole Gittinger, who announced her retirement in early July.
Gittinger worked at the district for 15 years. She served as principal at Wall and Eastwood schools, then was named assistant superintendent for SPS. In 2018, Gittinger was a finalist, along with Ebert, for the superintendent position. She received several awards during her tenure, including outstanding principal in region 4 (2014) and Outstanding Practicing Principal of the Year by Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association (2015).
