Board Member Spotlight - Mr. Tom Kirinovic

Charlevoix Public Schools

Board Member Spotlight

Mr. Tom Kirinovic - Board Member

Please tell us about yourself and your family.   

My wife (the former Marge Carey) and I have been married for 37 years and have been full-time residents of Charlevoix for the last three years.  We have two adult sons, who live outside the areas. As a family, we always loved coming to Charlevoix and to my in-laws home (Don & Joan Carey), so when retirement came knocking, this is where we knew we wanted to live.

Marge and I were both educators our entire careers.  Marge was an elementary school teacher for 33 years and I was a high school teacher and then athletic administrator for 32 years.  The last 28 years of my career were spent at Ferris State University, where I concluded my career with 10 years as the Director of Athletics for that fine educational institution.

What do you like best about being a school board member in Charlevoix?

Being around young, excited, positive people who value the learning process has always been important.  Doing work that leads to the education of our youth has always been a passion of mine.  There is a strong school pride in Charlevoix that is not seen in every school district and to be a part of that excellence makes it easy to be a member of the board.

What are some of the things you love about Charlevoix Public Schools?

The staff and administrators really care about kids.  This caring shows through everyday and creates an environment that allows for learning to flourish.  There is tremendous talent in this community and when that is combined with a passionate staff, the growth and learning for young people can be off the charts!

What is your wish for the students and staff at CPS?

That they maximize their ability to grow.  If a person has the passion to be the best they can be, and combines it with a strong work ethic, the skies the limit as to what they can accomplish with their life.

Please share your favorite childhood school memory.

Probably to no surprise, it is based around athletics.  I was lucky enough to be a part of an outstanding football class that only lost 2 games in 4 years.  The memory of walking out of the school on a Friday night in the fall and having the parking lot full, 1000 or more people already in the stands is very strong for me even 40+ years later.  The pride in our community that was created through our success was an amazing thing to see.  In small towns, I don’t believe there is anything that can create and build this pride like the school can.

What do you like to do on your free time?

Exercise is very important to my daily routine.  If you see me running along the street and roads, please don’t hit me!  I enjoy reading a good book (Shoe Dog by Phil Knight is the most recent).  Finally, traveling to and spending time with our grandson in Mississippi has quickly become a special joy as we enjoy our retirement years.