GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) -- The new principal of Innovation Central High School is no stranger to the historic hallways that scholars have walked for generations. Mr. Derrick Martin graduated from Central High School in 2000 and has been on the leadership team since 2022.
"This role is truly a full-circle moment," Martin said. "I feel a great sense of responsibility to this school and to this community."
Martin was class president during all four years he attended Central High School. He even ran for the Board of Education during his senior year. It was during his time in high school that he first had the dream of working in education.
"When I thought about teaching there was only one option, and it was Grand Rapids Public Schools," Martin said.
Martin started with GRPS as a long-term substitute teacher. He then taught at Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy for five years before transitioning to his role as an administrator. Martin has been assistant principal at Innovation Central High School since 2022. The 2024-25 school year will be his first as principal.
"There were a number of people who kind of shaped who I am today," Martin said. "To have the opportunity to do a lot of the same things that mentors and professionals and educators were able to do for me, in turn do those things to help our scholars succeed."
Meet the Principal
You are invited to get to know Mr. Martin during four opportunities this summer.
- Tuesday, July 30: 1-3 pm, Innovation Central High School
- Tuesday, August 6: 5-7 pm, Innovation Central High School
- Friday, August 16: 1-3 pm, Innovation Central High School
- Sunday, August 18: 5-7 pm (zoom link: https://grps-org.zoom.us/j/88136954451?pwd=icW2IrQ4X8B6kQTZhReeZvNP5JGnDN.1 )
