By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
SCOTTVILLE — The Mason County Central Board of Education has narrowed its choice of superintendent candidates from three to two, selecting Jason O’Dell and Jeff Tuka as finalists.
Jason O’Dell
The board interviewed Amy Cockburn and O’Dell Monday evening and Tuka on Tuesday. Candidate Jason Lundin had been scheduled to be interviewed Tuesday but withdrew his application.
Cockburn is currently principal of South Haven High School, a position she has held since October. With the exception of the last seven months, she has spent her education career in Indiana.
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 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.
O’Dell was accompanied to the interview by his wife, adult children and grandchildren.
Jeff Tuka
Tuka has been principal of MCC High School since 2017 and has been employed by MCC since 2008. His roles there have included middle school principal and student assessment coordinator, student success specialist and eighth grade social studies teacher. He also taught four years at Journey Alternative Junior/Senior High School and one year at Hart Public Schools.
He is a 1996 graduate of MCC. He earned an associate degree from Muskegon Community College, a bachelor’s degree in education from Central Michigan University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Grand Valley State University. He also completed the Michigan Leadership Institute superintendent preparation academy in 2024.
The public will have an opportunity to meet O’Dell and Tuka during a meet-and-greet open house Monday, May 18. The board will then conduct interviews with each candidate during a public meeting.
The search comes as longtime Superintendent Jeff Mount prepares to retire June 30 after 20 years in the role and 27 years with the district overall. MCC has had six superintendents since it was formed in 1955. Arnold O. Carlson had been serving as superintendent of the Scottville district since 1934 and became superintendent of MCC when the district was formed through consolidation.
About 40 people attended Tuesday’s meeting in support of Tuka.
The board hopes to have the district’s seventh superintendent in place by July 1.
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