Tuka is only MCC superintedent candidate with local ties

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief

SCOTTVILLE — On Thursday, the Mason County Central Board of Education selected five candidates to be interviewed for the position of superintendent. Only one of those candidates, Jeff Tuka, has ties to the area. Tuka is an alumnus of MCC and currently serves as high school principal.

The school board will conduct first-round interviews May 4-5 at the high school. Twelve applicants sought the position, which will replace longtime Superintendent Jeff Mount, who is retiring June 30 after 20 years in the role.

Interview times are scheduled as follows:

• May 4: Amy Cockburn, 5 p.m.; Jason O’Dell, 6:30 p.m.; Shannon Harvilla, 8 p.m.
• May 5: Jason Lundin, 5 p.m.; Jeff Tuka, 6:30 p.m.

Board President Oscar Davila said the district is seeking community input during the process and hopes to have a new superintendent in place by July 1.

Editor’s Note: Only Jason O’Dell and Jeff Tuka responded to MCP’s requests for photographs and resumes. Search consulant Andy Ingall provided resumes from the other candidates. 

Candidate backgrounds

Amy Cockburn currently serves as principal of South Haven High School, a role she began in 2025. Her leadership experience includes serving as curriculum director, principal and emergency superintendent for Whitko Community Schools in Indiana, where she led districtwide curriculum alignment, strategic planning and compliance efforts.

Cockburn’s background also includes time as a junior/senior high principal in Decatur County, assistant principal in Wayne County, and earlier work as a teacher and coach. A U.S. Army veteran who served as a combat medic, she emphasizes systems leadership, community engagement and data-driven instruction.

She is pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership at Indiana State University and holds a master’s degree in nonprofit management.

Jason O’Dell

Jason O’Dell has been middle school principal at Evart Public Schools since 2012, where he has led school improvement initiatives, professional learning communities and district-level grant programs.

His work includes coordinating a district bond campaign, establishing a school-based health center and implementing MTSS frameworks focused on both academics and behavior.

O’Dell previously served as an assistant principal in Reed City and began his career as an elementary teacher. He holds a master’s degree in educational administration from Central Michigan University.

Shannon Harvilla most recently served as superintendent and federal programs director for Bristol Bay Borough School District in Alaska, overseeing districtwide operations including instruction, HR, finance and facilities.

During his tenure, he guided the district out of school improvement status and secured grant funding to support teacher housing in a rural setting.

Harvilla has also worked as a principal, assistant superintendent and teacher, and currently leads an education consulting firm focused on HR systems and AI integration.

He holds a master’s degree in educational leadership and superintendent certification through the University of Alaska Southeast.

Jason Lundin most recently served as superintendent of Beal City Public Schools from 2024 to 2025 and is currently an academic coordinator with Lansing School District.

His experience includes district-level leadership roles in Chippewa Hills Schools, where he oversaw curriculum, assessment, and MTSS implementation, as well as serving as a middle school principal.

Lundin has more than 20 years in education and has led work in collective bargaining, strategic planning and bond-funded facility improvements. He is pursuing a doctorate in educational administration at Michigan State University.

Jeff Tuka

Jeff Tuka is the only finalist with direct roots in Mason County and the only candidate who is a graduate of Mason County Central High School, earning his diploma there in 1996. He has spent the majority of his professional career working in the district and local community.

Tuka is currently principal of Mason County Central High School, a position he has held since 2017, and has more than 23 years of experience in education, including 11 years in leadership roles. He also serves as student assessment coordinator, overseeing district testing systems including NWEA, PSAT/SAT, ACT WorkKeys and MSTEP.

His leadership work includes development of a data-driven PBIS program, implementation of MTSS systems, coordination of school safety efforts, and collaboration with West Shore ESD on attendance and student support initiatives.

Tuka’s career within Mason County Central includes roles as middle school principal in 2015-16, student success specialist, and teacher at both the high school and Journey Alternative program. He also worked in community education and as a long-term substitute teacher serving at-risk populations.

Outside the district, he briefly served as assistant principal and athletic director at Mona Shores Middle School.

He has been active in extracurricular and community efforts, including coaching multiple sports, leading recreation programs, supporting fine arts and athletics, and participating in district bond campaigns and local civic activities.

Tuka holds a master of education in educational leadership from Grand Valley State University, a bachelor of science in education from Central Michigan University, and an associate degree from Muskegon Community College. He also completed the Michigan Leadership Institute superintendent preparation academy in 2024.

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