FINALSITE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Special Education Teacher
Job Titles:
- Head Building Engineer / Building Engineer
Clint is a continuous improvement project manager with professional experience in public education, manufacturing, facilities, procurement, and operations. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sport Management & Communications from the University of Michigan, and a Master's degree in Program & Project Management from U-M Dearborn.
Clint is married to Bethany Derringer, a special education teacher. Together, they moved from Warren to the City of Grosse Pointe in 2016 because of the public school system and its world-class performing arts, STEM, and athletic programs. All three of the Derringer children currently attend GPPSS schools. DERRINC@GPSCHOOLS.ORG
Job Titles:
- Library Media Specialist / Library Media Specialist
Job Titles:
- Physical Education Teacher
John Barnes followed Mr. Essert as superintendent of schools. Barnes had previously served the district as high school principal, director of instruction, and assistant superintendent. Under his leadership the largest bond issue in the history of the district was approved by voters. In addition to starting a large building program, he improved financial accounting methods and other business processes. His greatest contribution was in the field of curriculum and instruction. Many of the instructional methods practiced in Grosse Pointe were the result of Barnes' influence and ability.
Laura is a high school math and chemistry teacher with more than 20 years of experience working in public education. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Alma College with a major in chemistry and a Master of Art in education with secondary certification from the University of Michigan. Prior to becoming an educator Laura was an analytical chemist in the pharmaceutical industry where she specialized in research and product development.
Laura and her husband have two daughters currently attending Pierce Middle School. Most of their free time is spent cheering on the girls from the sidelines, stands, and the audience of their many activities. Laura has served as a Girl Scout troop leader, youth sports coach, and classroom volunteer. She believes in the power of public education and is honored to serve on the board. HULLLA@GPSCHOOLS.ORG
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Job Titles:
- Principal
- Principal, Maire Elementary
Job Titles:
- Lunchroom Supervisor / Athletic Director
Job Titles:
- ASD Special Education / Special Education
Job Titles:
- Local Business Owner, Attorney
Sean Cotton is a local business owner, attorney and the owner of the Grosse Pointe News. After graduating from Grosse Pointe South in 1995, he headed east and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from New York University's Stern School of Business, then a Juris Doctorate degree from Seton Hall University School of Law. After law school, Sean practiced corporate law in Manhattan at Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett, counseling investment banks on initial public offerings and private placements.
Sean and his wife Nancy moved to Grosse Pointe Farms in 2008 and started their family. Upon his return to the Pointes, he helped found the Grosse Pointe Housing Foundation and the Detroit Crime Commission. He was also instrumental in helping revitalize Grosse Pointe Park's commercial district, creating restaurants including the popular farm-to-table Bricks Pizzeria and retail stores like Coreander's Children's Bookshoppe.
Sean and Nancy have two sons who attend Grosse Pointe South High School and Brownell Middle School. His term expires December 31, 2026. cottons@gpschools.org
Job Titles:
- LRC Special Education / Support
Valarie St. John earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in World Literatures from The Ohio State University, and a Master's of Public Health from the University of Southern California. She and her wife have a child who currently attends Pierce Middle School.
Valarie learned the value of public education as the daughter of two teachers. Her experience in nonprofit organizations, school-based programs, and local activist groups has prepared her for her role on the board. Her term expires December 31, 2026. stjohnv@gpschools.org
Ginny is a self-employed small business owner focused on property management. She has her undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth. She also received her teaching certificate in 1st through 6th grade. She spent a decade as a corporate recruiter. Ginny spent five years working for Adlhoch and Associates as a realtor.
Ginny is married to Dr. Paul Koch. She has three daughters, one of whom was adopted from Ukraine in 2021. Throughout her family's 22 years in Grosse Pointe, she has remained involved in many organizations throughout the community and schools. Her term expires December 31, 2026. jeupv@gpschools.org
Job Titles:
- Principal of Cadieux School