After screening many applicants and conducting rounds of interviews, Superintendent Roger Bearup announced on Aug. 11 that East Elementary Principal Ana Aleman-Putman has been selected for the newly created position of student academic excellence and well-being coordinator. She has served as principal of East Elementary in Grandville Public Schools since 2016. She previously served as principal of Burton Elementary in Grand Rapids Public Schools.
In her new role, Mrs. Aleman-Putman will be an advocate for the educational success of every student and create a comprehensive student wellbeing plan. Her focus will be on ensuring every student reaches their full academic potential and feels valued, respected and a sense of belonging. One of her responsibilities will be to audit the district’s programs, policies, curriculum and professional staff development with a concentration on excellence, student wellbeing, academic achievement and community outreach. She will also be tasked with developing long-range teaching and learning strategies and recommending systems of support that serve the employees, students, families and community partners of Grandville Public Schools.
In her announcement to East Elementary families about her new job title, Mrs. Aleman-Putman wrote, “I want to assure you that I will start the school year here at East until your new principal has been selected and they have successfully transitioned into their new role. My life has been so enriched by all your children. Every day when I pulled up to East was a happy day for me; now I get to be with children all across the district.”