Jonathon Wennstrom
Plymouth,MI
Summary
I am a relationship focused leader who believes in being visible and active in the schools and in the community. I’ve had experience bringing communities together through school closures and mergers and honoring their history while looking forward to the future as a unified team. My passion is team building and inspiring people to lead from where they are toward a common goal. Transparency and accountability is essential and I would bring these qualities while working together with the bookkeeper on the district budget. I’m passionate about this position, because this is where I was raised and I look forward to serving the community I love.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal
Livonia Public Schools
Livonia, MI
01.2012 - Current
- Rosedale Elementary (350 students) / Buchanan Elementary (500 students) / Riley Upper Elementary (665 students)
- District vision forward & school improvement teams
- Administrative representative on the PTSA executive council
Principal
Warren Woods Public Schools
Warren, MI
01.2008 - 01.2012
- Pinewood Elementary (500 students)
- Oversaw Early Childhood Programs
Online Instructor
University of Phoenix
01.2007 - 01.2012
- Instructor for the Masters in Educational Administration program
Principal
Woodmont Academy
Southfield, MI
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Kindergarten through seventh grade (600 students)
Chief Academic Officer
Baker College of Cadillac
Cadillac, MI
01.2004 - 01.2007
- Oversaw all department heads
- Facilitated community advisory groups
- Instructor for the education department
Principal
Cadillac Area Public Schools
01.1999 - 01.2004
- Franklin Elementary (500 students)
Varsity Wrestling Coach
Cadillac High School
01.1995 - 01.2000
- Competed in the Big North Conference
- Started middle school team
- Facilitated elementary summer camps
Teacher
Cadillac Area Public Schools
01.1995 - 01.1999
- Franklin Elementary (500 students)
- School improvement chair
- Facilitated and participated in home visits for incoming families
Education
School Administrator Certificate
State Of Michigan01-2008
No Degree - Educational Leadership And Administration
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MIMaster of Arts - Educational Administration
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, Michigan, MI01-2000
Bachelor of Science - Education
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI01-1995
Associate of Arts -
West Shore Community College
Scottville, MI01-1992
Skills
- Staff and community relations
- Verbal and written communication
- Employee performance evaluations
- Community partnerships
- Training and mentoring
- Contract negotiations
- Budget management
- Professional development
- Advocacy at state and national levels
Affiliations
- National Council for the Advancement of Educator Ethics (NCAEE) 2025-present (Committee chair for media/promotions)
- National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) 2021-2025 / state representative & member of the board of directors overseeing Michigan, Wisconsin & Iowa
- Rotary Club of Livonia 2013-Present / Club president 2023-2024
- Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development (ASCD) 2012-Present
- Michigan Elementary & Middle School Principals Association (MEMSPA) 2007-Present / MEMSPA president 2020-2021
- Michigan PTA Administrator of the Year 2017-2018
Timeline
Principal
Livonia Public Schools
01.2012 - Current
Principal
Warren Woods Public Schools
01.2008 - 01.2012
Online Instructor
University of Phoenix
01.2007 - 01.2012
Principal
Woodmont Academy
01.2007 - 01.2008
Chief Academic Officer
Baker College of Cadillac
01.2004 - 01.2007
Principal
Cadillac Area Public Schools
01.1999 - 01.2004
Varsity Wrestling Coach
Cadillac High School
01.1995 - 01.2000
Teacher
Cadillac Area Public Schools
01.1995 - 01.1999
School Administrator Certificate
No Degree - Educational Leadership And Administration
Western Michigan University
Master of Arts - Educational Administration
Central Michigan University
Bachelor of Science - Education
Western Michigan University
Associate of Arts -
West Shore Community College
Leadership Roles
- Current facilitator of Leadership Matters cohort (Flagship professional development series for MEMSPA)
- Graduate of Metro-Bureau/MLI central office academy
- Graduate of aspiring superintendents bootcamp (MASA)
- Current member of Madonna University teacher education advisory committee
- Presenter at national, state and regional levels for educational administrators
- Published articles for Principal Magazine & Kids Standard Magazine (Student Voice: Every Student can be a Leader - 2025 & Creating a Positive Environment for Student Growth - 2018
- Participated in contract negotiations for Cadillac Area Public Schools and Livonia Public Schools
- Coordinated early childhood programs for Warren Woods Public Schools
- Facilitated summer school programs for Cadillac Area Public Schools and Livonia Public Schools
- Participated in the 2024 Lifetouch Memory Mission school build in Guatemala with educational leaders from across the nation
- Collaborated with local educators, families and community leaders