Dr. Mathis Bids Adieu to NPS

N3 -Peg Mathis has provided exceptional leadership during her time at Newaygo Public. Always accessible, decidedly competent and a master at performing the difficult balancing act the job requires, she  has served the Newaygo community with courage and commitment. 
Dr. Mathis truly possesses the heart of a Lion and she will be missed as she sets off on whatever path she chooses in her post retirement life. 
She posted this letter to the community and with her kind permission we have shared it in our pages.

May 28, 2021
Dear Newaygo:
Pride and respect. It’s been my theme during a wonderful ten years as the Superintendent of Newaygo Public Schools. Truth is constant, and this has remained true from my first day to my last. Starting this afternoon, I’ll be out of the office and away from my daily travels around the district to work on the next chapter of my life (some call it retirement). 

I'm hopeful that I'm young enough, healthy enough, and supported by family/friends enough to write a great second chapter. You may be able to find me on a boat, a bike, or hiking trail somewhere in Newaygo County with the breeze blowing on any hair I didn’t pull out during my time in education. 

My forever gratitude to the men and women who have made (the retirees before me) and those that now make (current Lions) Newaygo Public Schools the best school anywhere. There is not a finer or more dedicated group of people amassed on earth. Please find a teacher or administrator today and tell them thanks. Support your educators.

My eternal thanks to the students and parents of Newaygo. The community values, work ethic, and ability to rise to any challenge are unmatched. The deep bonds in this community are real, as is the welcoming spirit for newcomers. 

I urge others to join the ranks of educators (teacher, aide, bus driver, cook, secretary, etc.) or the legions of deeply valued school volunteers. It sure beats complaining. Without your support, the schools simply do not function as well. 

Thanks to God for opening the right doors that brought me to Newaygo. I’ve tried to lead in a way that is worthy of the grace He shows us all. I firmly believe God has a special place for those that care for and lead our youth.

As I close out my time here I’m thankful for the great foundation the district has for the future. We have a solid leadership team, phenomenal staff, good facilities, and are on firm financial footing. I strongly encourage the district to continue to focus on education and not get stuck in the quagmire of politics and virtue signaling. Deviation from educational goals and priorities to chase after the issue of the day is a waste of limited time and resources. This path hasn’t served students and has split many communities. Keep it about the kids and education. 

This is home. I’m thankful that both of my kids graduated from Newaygo and my husband and I will remain in the community. I can always be reached at [email protected]. 
​
With LION PRIDE and RESPECT FOR NEWAYGO,
Peg Mathis
Retiring Superintendent of Newaygo Public Schools

​

---