Thornapple Kellogg Board of Education this week approved the hiring of Chris LaHaie as the new district assistant superintendent. Craig McCarthy, who formerly held the position, was named the district’s superintendent after serving as interim superintendent since September. LaHaie currently is employed with Cedar Springs Public Schools and will start work at TK Feb. 28.

LaHaie has a variety of educational experience in his background. He taught for 10 years as a math and chemistry teacher at Jenison Schools, and has obtained both a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and in Business Administration. He has earned Chief Financial Officer certification through the Michigan School Business Officials and has served in the capacities of Director of Finance and Operations and Deputy Superintendent of Finance and Operations. In addition to his teaching background, LaHaie has also coached high school baseball and tennis for many seasons.