Brad Jacobs is excited to take the helm of the Pirate ship

OCP photo

Pirate News is a presentation of Hart Public Schools in partnership with Oceana County Press.  

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor

HART — Hart native Brad Jacobs is excited to get started at his new job as the Hart Public Schools superintendent. 

The new school leader will take over for Superintendent Mark Platt, who will retire at the end of the school year. Jacobs will officially begin the job July 1. 

Jacobs, 57, is no stranger to the Hart district. He was a math and physical education teacher at Hart from 1990 to 2005 and coached football, wrestling and volleyball.

“I truly am excited to be back. I’m excited to roll my sleeves up and get to work.”

Jacobs said he will immediately concentrate on getting to know everyone and “developing relationships.” He will also be focused on the district ‘s upcoming  construction projects that are funded through successful passage of a $14 million bond issue last May. The funds will be used to make improvements throughout the school’s campus, including upgrades to the football stadium and track.

“It’s going to be a whirlwind learning process for the next few months,” said the 1986 Hart High School graduate.

“There are few people who are still around who I worked with, so that will be good to rekindle some those of old relationships.” He also looks forward to working with the new teachers and staff members who have come on board since his time at Hart. “It’s good to be back.” 

Jacobs’ parents were both Hart teachers. His late dad Glenn was a sixth grade science teacher, and his mom taught second grade at the old Elbridge Elementary School. 

He and his wife Michelle, who teaches in Newaygo, currently live in Fremont and are planning to eventually move back to Hart. “We love this area.” The couple have four grown children — William Jacobs, 24; Addison Jacobs, 22; Brody Green, 27; and Jarrett Green, 25.

He has a master’s degree from Central Michigan University in physical education/sports administration and a bachelor’s degree from CMU in education with a major in mathematics and a minor in physical education. 

Jacobs is currently employed as a planning executive for SitelogIQ, where he works with Michigan public school districts to plan, pass, design, and implement bond projects. He served as superintendent for Fremont Public Schools in 2022-23 and Inland Lakes Schools, where he led the district for five years and also served as the athletic director for a year. He was the Mason County Central High School principal from 2008-2016. He also served as the secondary complex supervisor from 2012-14 as well as the district curriculum coordinator. From 2006-2008, he was the Saranac Community Schools High School principal. Prior to that, he was the Manton Consolidated Schools High School principal for one year.

As a former Hart student, he has a strong knowledge of the district’s history. “During my senior year, we played in the first football game ever on that field. Before that, we played at John Gurney Park.” He was a three-sport athlete for the Pirates, also competing in wrestling and track. 

“Hart is my home. It has always been a special place, so it’s really cool to be back here.”

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