Kim Charland, Utica Community Schools executive director of secondary curriculum and programs, has been named Administrator of the Year by the Michigan School Counselor Association.
By: Kara Szymanski | Shelby-Utica News | Published October 29, 2024
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A UCS administrator has earned a top state honor for exceptional leadership and dedication to school counseling.
Kim Charland, executive director of secondary curriculum and programs, has been named Administrator of the Year by the Michigan School Counselor Association.
Robert S. Monroe, Superintendent of Schools, said Charland’s impact on the UCS counseling team was apparent at the October Board of Education meeting when the district surprised her with this statewide recognition.
Charland will be honored by the association at its fall conference in November.
“Counselors from across the district took the time out of their evening to applaud Mrs. Charland for her award in the same way that she celebrates their work and achievements,” he told the Shelby-Utica News.
He said Charland is a champion of education who advocates that all children must be strong, healthy and ready to learn.
“Her whole child approach is an integral part of our UCS Empowered strategic plan, thanks to her work,” he said in a press release.
Charland partnered with the district’s 38 counselors, which led to changes in the district’s approach to student services and wellness.
“Everyone deserves a chance to be their best self and be given the tools to accomplish all they can be. Education is the profession that allows a person to do this for others,” she told the Shelby-Utica News.
These changes have increased the resources available to staff and parents, which they can find at uticak12.org/ucs_wellness; created additional support to keep students on track for graduation; enhanced services for English language learners and Alternative Learning Center students; and increased professional development and overall support for the district’s counseling staff.
“UCS counselors are a dynamic group and have the heart of their students in their hands. They work hard at developing a relationship with their students so they can assist them in meeting their individual aspirations,” she said in a press release.
Amanda Sayre, awards and recognition chair for the Michigan School Counselor Association, said this recognition is a testament to Charland’s leadership and support to the school counseling team and the entire UCS community.