On Tuesday, September 27, a dedication ceremony was held at the John C. Magnus Center for Sheryl Presler, outgoing superintendent of the Clare-Gladwin Regional Education Service District, to celebrate her 22 years of leadership and dedication.
CGRESD staff, Board of Education, community leaders, friends, and family gathered at the Magnus Center to help honor Presler for her accomplishments and faithful service to the educational community.
“Sheryl, we sincerely thank you for your strong leadership, persistence, and unwavering commitment over the last 22 years,” said CGRESD Board President Barbara Richards, a trustee on the board that hired Presler as superintendent. “You have led the organization through challenging times, made some difficult decisions, and you have been instrumental in the overall growth and success of the CGRESD.”
In February, Presler informed the CGRESD Board of Education and staff that she would be retiring from her position as the superintendent. Presler agreed to extend her time at the CGRESD for three months to help incoming superintendent Tara Mager transition into her current role. In return, Mager gave the opening remarks during the ceremony to show her gratitude.
“During her time at CGRESD, Sheryl has, without a doubt, grown and cultivated this organization into what it is today,” said Tara Mager, the new superintendent of the CGRESD. “Sheryl, you leave behind a remarkable legacy, not just the accomplishments of this organization, but with the team of educators you have built. You have successfully led and mentored them, fostered many relationships that will stay with you long after you begin this new chapter in your life.”
Presler began her career in Maryland as an elementary teacher in 1989 and joined CGRESD in 2007. In 2013, the Magnus family donated 18 acres of land to the CGRESD to expand and improve the learning opportunities available to students. Presler’s vision and forward thinking contributed to the development of the Magnus Center which now houses the CTE Clare-Gladwin Career & Technical Education Center programs.
“Today is bittersweet as we recognize Sheryl’s dedication to the RESD,” said Eric Johnson, Director of CTE. “It should come as no surprise to you that Sheryl requested that her retirement celebration be held at the John C. Magnus Center. Over Sheryl’s 15 years of leadership as superintendent, she has been the rock and foundation, paving the way for opportunities and breathing new life into CTE programming.
In recognition of Sheryl’s 22 years of service, the CGRESD named the main entrance drive of the John C. Magnus Center “S. Presler Way.” In addition, they unveiled a plaque mounted to a large rock in honor of her commitment to expanding the CTE programming and making it the success it is today. The plaque inscription read “Our Leader, Our Mentor, Our Rock,” to represent her legacy as the “rock” and how the organization will continue building on the foundation and vision Presler has set for the Clare-Gladwin RESD.
Presler concluded the ceremony sharing the most memorable advice she received over the years as an educator.
“The best advice I have received throughout my career is – mission first, employees second, and yourself... last.”
Presler leaves the Clare-Gladwin RESD with wise words for the future.