Four candidates have been selected to interview for the position of BCPS Superintendent of Schools:

Dr. Rainey Briggs Mr. Grant Hegenauer Dr. Rachel Kowalski Dr. Lisa Tran

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Dr. Rainey Briggs

Dr. Rainey L. Briggs brings a wealth of educational leadership experience and a deep commitment to ensuring success for all students. Currently serving as Superintendent of Baraboo Schools, Dr. Briggs has built his career on the foundation of "Every kid, Every day, Whatever it Takes" – a philosophy that aligns perfectly with Bay City’s diverse community.

Recognized as one of Wisconsin's 48 Most Influential Black Leaders in 2021, Dr. Briggs has served in various educational roles prior to becoming a superintendent including teacher, principal, and Director of Elementary Education. His journey from growing up in challenging circumstances to earning his doctorate from Edgewood College has shaped his passion for educational equity and student advocacy. His doctoral research focused on factors promoting or impeding the success of students, reflecting his commitment to understanding and addressing educational disparities.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Briggs is a family man who understands the importance of strong community connections. He and his wife Julie, also an educator, are proud parents of three daughters. When not working to improve educational outcomes, you can find Dr. Briggs supporting youth sports, enjoying outdoor activities with his family, or perfecting his barbecue techniques.

Dr. Briggs brings not only his professional expertise but also his personal commitment to creating educational environments where every student can thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Mr. Grant Hegenauer

Growing up in the Tri-Cities, I developed a deep appreciation for the value of community, education, and collaboration—values that have guided me throughout my career. In 1995, I had the privilege of serving as the first Varsity Soccer Coach for the Bay City Public Schools, an experience that ignited my passion for mentoring young people and fostering their growth.

With over 30 years of proven experience as an educational leader, I have dedicated my career to creating impactful learning environments that prioritize student success. My journey spans diverse roles, including classroom teacher, adjunct instructor, administrator, and Drill Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserve. Each chapter of my career has shaped my commitment to fostering positive, inclusive environments where students and staff thrive.

As a teacher for 15 years at Swartz Creek Community Schools, I was twice honored as Teacher of the Year for my innovative instructional strategies and student-centered approach. I later served as an adjunct instructor for Marygrove College's Master’s in the Art of Teaching Program, empowering educators with the skills needed to drive meaningful change in their classrooms. My military service as a Drill Sergeant honed my leadership skills, discipline, and ability to mentor individuals toward achieving their fullest potential—skills that continue to inform my approach to education and leadership.

A Career of Accomplishment

Throughout my career, I have taken on increasingly impactful leadership roles. As Superintendent of Frankenmuth School District, I have led initiatives such as implementing the district's first Strategic Plan in nearly two decades and adopting the High Reliability Schools™ framework, earning national recognition for academic excellence. My ability to secure over $1.5 million in grant funding has provided resources to expand programs, enhance professional development, and support student achievement.

In prior roles as principal and CTE director at Montrose and Byron Area Schools, I expanded Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, improved graduation rates, and increased access to dual enrollment opportunities. My efforts have consistently resulted in measurable improvements, including higher test scores, stronger community engagement, and the creation of innovative academic programs such as Mechatronics, Drone Aviation Certification and Early College partnerships.

Recognized Excellence

My dedication has been recognized through numerous accolades, including Michigan FCCLA Outstanding Administrator of the Year (2017) and Battalion Soldier of the Year (1997 and 1998) during my military service. These honors reflect my unwavering commitment to excellence, whether leading soldiers, mentoring educators, or supporting students.

What I Will Bring to Bay City Public School District

I bring a unique combination of instructional expertise, administrative leadership, and military discipline to Bay City Public Schools. My leadership philosophy centers on collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and shared responsibility to achieve district-wide goals. I aim to build on the district’s strengths by:

• Empowering educators through professional development and mentorship programs.

• Enhancing student opportunities with innovative academic and extracurricular initiatives.

• Strengthening community partnerships to support and align with district objectives.

• Driving continuous improvement through data analysis, strategic planning, and inclusive leadership.

My proven track record of fostering student success, uniting stakeholders, and navigating complex challenges positions me as a leader ready to guide Bay City Public Schools toward a bright and successful future. Together, we will build a district where every student is empowered to excel, and every stakeholder is engaged in achieving shared success.

Dr. Rachel Kowalski

Dr. Rachel M. Kowalski is the superintendent of Colon Community Schools in southwestern Michigan. She and her husband, Aaron—a classroom teacher and former administrator—live in Colon with their three Labrador retrievers, including two rescues, one adopted from the local St. Joseph County animal shelter. Living and working in the community she serves is central to Dr. Kowalski’s leadership, as she believes strong schools and communities are built through relationships and connections that ensure every student has access to an exceptional education and meaningful opportunities. Throughout her career, she has worked alongside teams to create environments where educators feel supported, empowered, and valued while maintaining a student-centered focus in all decisions.

Dr. Kowalski earned her Doctorate in Education after researching the impact of professional learning communities. She also holds an Educational Specialist degree and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida, as well as a Bachelor’s degree from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. A proud Michigan native, Dr. Kowalski brings a unique combination of experience from both large urban districts and small communities, leading collaborative initiatives that enhance school environments, and expand opportunities for all learners. In each role, she has implemented clear, effective systems that have yielded measurable growth for both students and educators.

Since becoming superintendent in Colon, she has worked with her team to increase enrollment, improve attendance, and significantly reduce behavioral incidents. She has also taken on multiple leadership roles beyond her superintendent duties, serving as junior/senior high school principal and principal of Leonidas K-8, ensuring stability and continuity during times of transition. As a hands-on leader, she continues to teach one afternoon per week to remain connected to students and the classroom experience. Before becoming a superintendent, Dr. Kowalski taught at a Title I high school in Kissimmee, Florida, where she developed a deep commitment to inclusive practices, educator collaboration, servant leadership, and student advocacy. She later served in district leadership roles in Osceola and Orange County Public Schools, leading initiatives that resulted in double-digit gains in student achievement. During the 2018-2019 school year, her leadership in Orange County, Florida helped close achievement gaps for students of color in social studies at a higher rate than any other district.

Beyond her district leadership, Dr. Kowalski recently became an instructor for the Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators (MASA) Horizons Leadership Academy, mentoring new and aspiring district leaders. She is also an active member of MASA’s Small & Rural District Task Force and the School Equity Caucus, working to expand educational access across Michigan. Before returning to Michigan, she served as president of the Florida Association of Social Studies Supervisors from 2017-2020, was an advisory board member for iCivics and the Florida Partnership for Civic Learning, and worked as a textbook review expert for McGraw Hill and Pearson. Through her service at the local, state, and national levels, Dr. Kowalski remains dedicated to ensuring that every student has access to an exceptional education, regardless of their zip code.

Dr. Lisa Tran

Dr. Lisa Tran is an experienced educational leader with over 28 years of dedicated service in Saginaw Public Schools. As a dedicated public education servant, Dr. Tran has demonstrated a passion for fostering academic excellence, equity, and community engagement. She began her journey as an elementary classroom teacher teaching grades K-5. Dr. Tran briefly became an instructional coach before obtaining her first leadership role as an elementary principal. In this role she significantly boosted student achievement and established a climate and culture that was conducive to learning, professional accountability and social emotional development. Dr. Tran's success in building collaborative teams and driving student outcomes continued as the Director of Elementary Curriculum and Instruction and Early Childhood. As a constant servant leader Dr. Tran managed curriculum development, advocated for innovative teaching practices and led initiatives that resulted in improved student achievement. As the Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Curriculum and Instruction and Early Childhood, Dr. Tran led a systems change approach that impacted the entire elementary division. This approach included scaffolding and differentiating curriculum sound supervision and monitoring systems for professionals through data analysis meetings that informed instructional practices in real time. As a true visionary leader, Dr. Tran has been sought out for her expertise on a variety of committees and boards including, READ Association, Hartley Nature Center, Gerstacker Fellowship Program, and AASA/The School Superintendent Association of Aspiring Superintendents Academy for Latino and Latina Leaders. Colleagues and former students describe Dr. Tran as knowledgeable, hardworking, competent, genuine, a person of integrity and always willing to help anyone. Dr. Tran holds a Bachelor of Elementary Education from Michigan State University, a Master in the Art of Teaching from Marygrove College, and a Doctorate in K-12 Educational Administration from Michigan State University. Dr. Tran remains focused on her mission to inspire educational innovation and strengthen community partnerships, ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she is a proud mother of two beautiful teenagers.