Late principal’s close friend hired as interim

HART — Troy Moran’s close friend and former colleague, Ken Byard, has been hired as Hart High School principal following the unexpected death of 46-year-old Principal Moran, April 27.

The announcement was made on the school district’s Facebook page Sunday, May 5.

“I met Mr. Moran about 25 years ago when we started working out together at the Thunderbolt Gym in Whitehall,” states the post. “From there, we became close friends as we had similar interests and a common profession. Mr. Moran and I worked at Mona Shores at the same time. I considered him one of my closest friends.”

The following is the entire announcement:

Pirate Nation —

My name is Mr. Ken Byard and I will be serving as the interim principal for the remainder of the year.

I was born in New Jersey and grew up a military brat who went to 12 K-12 schools while moving to California, South Korea, Germany, and Alabama. I ended up graduating high school from AuGres-Sims High school in 1992. I then attended Hope College from 1992-1996.

My first teaching job was at Montague where I taught until 2005. I then moved to Mona Shores where I was the middle school dean of students/AD/AP. After nine years there, I accepted a position as the middle school principal at Orchard View Middle School for one year before becoming the principal of North Muskegon HS/MS. After six years there, I finished my educational career and am currently working for BSN Sports.

I live in North Muskegon with my wife Jessica and our four kids.

I met Mr. Moran about 25 years ago when we started working out together at the Thunderbolt Gym in Whitehall. From there, we became close friends as we had similar interests and a common profession. Mr. Moran and I worked at Mona Shores at the same time. I considered him one of my closest friends.

The one thing I most admired about Mr. Moran was his unapologetic authenticity and genuineness. What you saw is what you got. He stood firmly on his convictions and was kind to you if you thought differently. He truly was one of a kind.

I am looking forward to helping Mr. Moran’s legacy live on as the Hart family begins the healing process. I hope to display many of the attributes he did as a principal including his strongest attribute — connecting with people.

I am honored and humbled to have been asked to continue Mr. Moran’s work.

Sincerely,

Mr. Ken Byard

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