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Central Office
Staff
Christopher M. Davidson
Superintendent
It is an honor to serve
as Superintendent of
L’Anse Area Schools.
I was born and
raised in Oxford, MI
located in the
Metro-Detroit area.
Throughout my childhood
my favorite vacations
were our trips to my
family's camp in
Engadine, MI, and this
is where my love for
Michigan’s Upper
Peninsula developed.
After graduating from
Oxford High School in
1997 I attended Michigan
Technological University
earning a Bachelors of
Science degree in
Mathematics and a
Secondary Teaching
Certificate in Math and
General Science. My
teaching career started
back in my hometown at
Oxford High School where
I taught math, coached
football and wrestling,
and volunteered with the
Adventure Club. In
2006-2007 my wife,
Jennifer (Heikkinen; a
graduate of L’Anse
Senior High School), and
I had the opportunity to
return to the Upper
Peninsula. Since
returning, I completed
my Masters of Art Degree
in Educational
Leadership from Central
Michigan University and
worked in various
capacities including
teaching, coaching,
Principal of Horizons
Alternative High School,
Principal of Calumet
High School, and
Superintendent of the
Public Schools of
Calumet, Laurium, and
Keweenaw.
Throughout my career I
have been a dedicated
educator and leader with
a deep commitment to
student-centered
learning. My leadership
philosophy centers on
building positive
relationships, fostering
creativity by empowering
staff and students, and
ensuring that students
have access to flexible,
personalized learning
experiences. I look
forward to seeing how
this commitment and
philosophy will continue
to lead L’Anse Area
School in a positive
direction.
Aside
from work, family time
is my top priority.
Jennifer and I have four
wonderful boys who share
in our hobbies of being
outdoors in the woods
and on the water, and
staying active through
athletics. The
opportunity to work and
live in L’Anse feels
like a homecoming of
sorts. While I am not
from L’Anse much of my
free time over the years
has been spent here with
family hunting, fishing,
and much more.
(906) 524-6000 ext.
4
cdavidson@laschools.us
George William (Bill) Valsa
III
Business Manager
Growing up, my family
had a cabin in the UP,
and we enjoyed many
summers (and a few
winters) here. I have a
masters degree in
accounting, and have
worked in a few
different positions in
accounting and finance
in the corporate world.
This is my first foray
into educational
accounting, and I'm
looking forward to the
new challenge.
(906) 524-6000 ext.
112
wvalsa@laschools.us
Joanne Hochstein
Administrative
Assistant
As a graduate of L'Anse
High School, I am
fortunate to be a part
of this team. I enjoy
helping the families in
our community.
April Niemi
Accounting Clerk
I am a 1998 graduate
from L’Anse Area
Schools. For 8 years I
worked in Food Service
where I enjoyed seeing
the students on a daily
basis. Recently I have
transferred into the
role of Accounting Clerk
and although I do not
have this daily contact
with students, this new
role has been a great
change in my career.
Aside from work, my
children keep me busy
with extracurricular
activities. Family time
is very important to me,
whether it’s on a beach
or hiking through the
woods. When I have free
time, I enjoy picking
beach glass or being in
the garden. My priority
is being a devoted
mother and wife.
Working in Central
Office has been a great
opportunity.
(906) 524-6000 ext. 115
aniemi@laschools.us
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