by Mary Jo David

On June 2, the Stockbridge Community Schools Board of Education named Jeffrey Trapp the new superintendent of Stockbridge Schools, effective July 1.

Trapp, principal of the Stockbridge Jr./Sr. High School since 2017, was one of 22 candidates who submitted resumes for the superintendent position earlier in the spring. Five of the field of 22 were selected for in-person interviews with the school board; these interviews were held on May 26 and May 27. After that, two finalists—Aaron Shinn from Milan Area Schools and Trapp—were invited back for a second round of interviews, which were held in the early evening on June 2. 

After both interviews, the school board collected written feedback from the audience, a process they incorporated during each of the previous interviews, and shared with those present some of their initial thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate. Board members then deliberated late into the evening and announced their unanimous selection of Trapp as superintendent just shy of 10:30 p.m.

Later, when contacted by Stockbridge Community News, Trapp shared his initial thoughts about being selected to lead the administration of the school district.

“I am deeply honored and excited to serve as the next superintendent of Stockbridge Community Schools. Stockbridge has been my professional home for 20 years as a teacher, coach, and principal,” Trapp said.

Trapp describes himself as the proud son of a 1969 Stockbridge graduate. He and his wife, Leanne, are also the parents of two Stockbridge students—one who graduated with honors with the Class of 2026 and a current sophomore.

“I am all in for Stockbridge and look forward to the opportunity and journey ahead!  GO PANTHERS!” Trapp exclaimed.

Aside from two years he spent teaching in North Carolina prior to moving back to Michigan, Trapp has worked in the Stockbridge district. Prior to being appointed almost 10 years ago as principal at the Jr./Sr. High School, he taught in and then chaired the Science Department at the school. He has also coached girls cross country and track, junior varsity football, and freshman boys basketball.

The Stockbridge Community News welcomes Superintendent Jeff Trapp, and we look forward to doing a more in-depth interview with him in the near future.