PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – As is turns out the Portage Public Schools Board of Education didn’t have to look far for its new Superintendent.
The board has begun contract negotiations with Johnny Edwards to lead the district beginning July 1, 2025. Edwards is currently the Assistant Superintendent of Operations at PPS. He was selected at a special board meeting Wednesday to replace current Superintendent Mark Bielang, who announced in January he’ll be retiring at the end of this school year in June. Bielang has been superintendent for 12 years.
“I am deeply honored to be selected by the Board of Education to be the next superintendent with the Portage Public Schools,” Edwards said. “I look forward to
working with the Board of Education, students, staff, families, and community members in continuing Portage’s commitment to educational excellence.”
Edwards has served in his current role since 2021, where he oversaw non-instructional operations of the District such as finances and facilities management, including managing the design and construction of two new elementary schools funded by a $176M bond.
Prior to his time in Portage, Edwards served as the Director of Secondary Education at Kalamazoo Public Schools, where he managed day-to-day operations for eight middle and high schools.
Edwards holds a Master of Arts in K-12 Educational Administration and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Michigan State University. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University.
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