SAULT STE. MARIE — Carl McCready is going to be the principal of the newly established Sault Area Elementary School.
Sault Ste. Marie Area Public Schools recently announced the new principal and assistant principal for the newly established elementary school, which will be located in the former middle school building.
McCready is the current principal of Lincoln Elementary, one of the district’s two elementary schools that will be closing. The two schools will combine their students and staff into one building next year.
Sean Stark, the current assistant principal at Sault Area Middle School, will be staying in the building as assistant principal. Stark has been assistant principal at the middle school since 2024.
Superintendent Amy Kronemeyer said Stark had success in the last school year with overseeing staff and school operations at the middle school.
Carl McCready
McCready has been working at Sault Area Schools for over 20 years, first as principal of the high school and then later at Lincoln. He was chosen to be principal of the new combined school by the school board because of improvements in student achievement and grades seen while he was principal.
McCready has degrees in educational administration, educational technology and a master’s of arts from Central Michigan University, as well as a bachelor of science in secondary education, majoring in mathematics, from Ferris State University.
Sheri McFarlane, the current principal of Washington Elementary, will be retiring, marking the end of her Sault career that began in 1995.
“I am extremely excited to lead the district’s kindergarten through fifth grade,” said McCready. “By eliminating travel time for specialized staff members, we are creating opportunities for them to dedicate more time and energy to supporting students directly, ensuring a more impactful educational experience. Personally, I am honored to be asked to lead the building that educates our youngest students.”
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More: Sault Area Schools to move forward with building consolidations
These changes come as a result of the district’s recently announced consolidation plan.
Beginning in the fall of 2025, Washington and Lincoln elementary schools will close and the current middle school will become Sault Area Elementary School. This building will house all students in grades K-5.
Middle school students in grades 6-8 will move into the current high school building.
Malcolm Alternative School and the district’s online alternative program, Virtual Blue, will support grades 7-12. The Malcolm campus will also house the Sault Alternative Innovative Learner program from the middle school.
District officials said the consolidation is necessary due to declining enrollment, rising educational costs and concerns about infrastructure needs. Both Lincoln and Washington schools are in need of extensive and costly renovations, if the district chose to continue using those buildings.
Officials added that by consolidating buildings onto one campus, there will be savings in travel costs, building maintenance and safety.
— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Sault Area Schools announces Carl McCready as principal for new combined elementary school