The end of the 2025-26 school year is arriving soon. Eight Fenton High staff will leave after the current academic year. ELA teacher Heather Mulligan, Social Studies teacher Kevin Crimmins, Science teacher Matt Sullivan, English Skills teacher Dana Grimes, Math teacher Marcy McCrate, IB Coordinator Mark Suchowski, Principal Michael Bakker and Secretary Denise Bakker have announced their leave this year. These changes can affect students who are familiar with these educators and their performance in learning from them. For example, new teaching styles and subject changes might occur once new staff members get recruited to fill in a position.
Principal Michael Bakker will be leaving on July 1, 2026, to become the District Athletic Director for the Public Schools of Petoskey. Secretary Denise Bakker will also be leaving with him after working at Fenton High for around 15 years. In an April 22 email to students, Bakker wrote that while the decision was difficult, he and his wife are not retiring from education.
“Those who knew me before my time as Principal at FHS know that I served as the Athletic Director here for almost 18 years,” Bakker stated. “While I enjoy the work as Principal, I miss being an Athletic Director. Starting July 1, 2026, I will be the District Athletic Director for the Public Schools of Petoskey. It has been an honor to serve this community, and we can’t wait to hear about the great things you continue to accomplish, as we will keep in touch with many people from Fenton. Thank you for all that you have provided the Bakker family over the years. We will miss this place. “
Bakker mentions in his email that he will make visits back to Fenton High, as again, he will not be retiring from being an educator. Science teacher Matt Sullivan, however, will be retiring after this school year. Sullivan explained when he will retire and his plan afterwards. “I am retiring this coming fall,” Sullivan said. “I will work at an ‘old folks’ home, and I loved every minute of working at Fenton High.”
These educators have made a significant impact at Fenton High. They contributed knowledge and education to the students of Fenton. Starting next school year, new teachers and staff will be welcomed to take over the role of Fenton High’s current educators. For example, it has been confirmed that ELA teacher Brett Mead will be taking over Mulligan’s position as a 10th-grade American Honors Studies teacher. It has also been confirmed that Student Resource Officer Grace will be moving back to the Fenton Police Department.
