Three Rivers schools – New superintendent is hired

A Grand Rapids-area native currently working in Lelenau County has been selected as the new superintendent of St. Joseph County’s second-largest school district.

Ron Moag was chosen Monday by Three Rivers Community Schools Board of Education. After four candidates were interviewed in the past month, board members narrowed the list to Moag and Jonathan Whan.

Moag, who grew up in Grandville, said he spent the day Friday last week meeting the district’s teachers and exploring the community. He called the district and the city “welcoming and inviting.”

Moag, who expects to earn his PhD in December, is currently chief financial and human resource officer for Suttons Bay Public Schools, a post he has held at the 550-student district the past year.

The 54-year-old Moag said the Three Rivers board is expected to ratify a three-year contract during Monday’s meeting. District officials said Moag’s first-year salary will be $125,000. His predecessor, Jean Logan, was making $124,000 before she resigned earlier in the academic year.

Moag’s first day on the job will be July 1, as Rob Kuhlman will continue to lead the district in an interim capacity.