Familiar face offered top job at St. Johns Public Schools

ST. JOHNS - A longtime administrator with St. Johns Public Schools has been picked to lead the district as its next superintendent. 

Mark Palmer, principal of St. Johns High School for the past 18 years, received the board of education's unanimous offer Monday night. His selection comes after the school board interviewed candidates from across the state. Palmer was the only internal candidate among the finalists.

"It’s quite an honor," Palmer said. "I feel blessed the board and community have confidence in me."

Dedrick Martin, who was St. John's superintendent from 2013 to 2017, left the post to lead the state's School Reform Office. 

MORE: Michigan Department of Education names new head of School Reform Office

In picking Palmer, school board members also voted to enter into contract negotiations with Palmer. Those discussions are expected to begin by next week.

Prior to coming to St. Johns, Palmer worked as a high school assistant principal in Lake Orion for three years. He earned his master's degree in K-12 administration from Michigan State University and his bachelor's degree in history from Central Michigan University. 

Contact RJ Wolcott at (517) 377-1026 or rwolcott@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @wolcottr.