By Crystal Hayduk
After nearly 21 years in the Chelsea School District, Julie Deppner stood at the proverbial crossroad. Having met her educational career goal of serving as assistant superintendent and now eligible for retirement, she learned of an opportunity to use her skills to further benefit the community.
In 1995, Deppner and her husband, Dennis, were living in Adrian when she accepted a job as a math teacher at Chelsea High School (CHS). She made the daily drive with her sons, Nick and Drew. “The boys were three and one then, and in child care here in Chelsea,” said Deppner, recalling her early days working in the “old high school.”
It didn’t take long for Deppner to fall in love with the community. “One thing I noticed right away that was different from the districts I had taught in before was that the teachers here were very connected to Chelsea,” she said. “Many of them chose to live here and raise their children here. It says something when teachers want their own children to be educated in a certain school district.”
Her family purchased a home and moved to Chelsea in 1998, and has set down deep roots since then. Throughout her years in the district, Deppner has served as assistant principal at Beach Middle School and at the high school, then advanced to principal at the high school, and finally to assistant superintendent in 2012.
“Being a classroom teacher was the most rewarding job in education,” Deppner said. “Then as principal, being in the building with students kept me connected with them on a daily basis. Even as an administrator, I’ve focused on being a leader with an emphasis on instruction.”
With her passion for students, Deppner feels that one of her greatest administrative accomplishments was hiring great teachers. “Teachers undergo a rigorous and thorough hiring process,” she said. “It’s critical because we want the best people to be in front of our children every day.”
Amy Doma, Beach Middle School math teacher and former student, credits Deppner as a role model. “It’s been a fun experience moving from Mrs. Deppner’s student to her colleague, and then again to her son’s teacher,” said Doma. “Julie has been nothing but supportive of me every step of the way and has really taught me so much.”
Deppner is proud of her years as principal of Chelsea High School. She provided well-rounded support – not only for basic academics, but for world languages, music, athletics, and art. During her final year as principal, CHS was highly ranked by “U.S. News and World Report” and “Newsweek”; and was recognized by the State of Michigan as a Beating the Odds School.
Fast forward to December, 2015. Nick and Drew are both in college, and Deppner is back on the Washington Street Education Center campus – this time in the administration building with a view of the building where she taught math in 1995. “A member of the Silver Maples board approached me about an opening for executive director and CEO,” she said. “I wasn’t actively seeking another position at that time, but I decided to learn more about it. So over Christmas break, I took an online class about managing senior living facilities. I felt inspired, so decided to apply.”
Deppner was offered the position, and she chose make the turn toward a new career. Her last day in the education seat was April 15; her first day at Silver Maples was April 18.
Deppner explained that this opportunity is not as big of a leap as some might think. As in her position in school administration, she will utilize leadership and management skills, along with her multiple connections within the community as CEO.
“Silver Maples is an organization with components comparable to the education system,” she said. The similarities don’t end with food, transportation, facilities management, and grounds, however. “We nurture and care for the residents, just like we nurture and care for students. And the residents take pride in where they live, just like the students take pride in their community,” she said.
Chelsea School District Superintendent Dave Killips said that he is thankful for the time that Deppner has shared with the district and wishes her well at Silver Maples. “For over 20 years, she has touched the lives of many and has made a significant contribution to our community,” he said. “She will be missed.”
Former Superintendent Andy Ingall treasures the time he and Deppner worked closely together in the district and believes he is “… a better leader for having worked with her. The Chelsea community is very fortunate to be keeping Julie in the community and in another leadership role where she’ll continue to have a positive impact,” he said.
Deppner is pleased to remain in the community that she loves. “I want to give Silver Maples continuity and consistency; I plan to keep and grow community connections. This is how I’ve chosen to keep giving back more to Chelsea.”
