In the six years Dr. Craig Younkman spent at the helm of the Lake Orion School District, he saw the student population increase by 1,100 and guided construction of two new buildings and major renovations at other buildings.
And his last several years here have been a financial challenge with shrinking financial support from the state.
‘This community and the school districts are unique. People believe in the school district and the students. Parent organizations are wonderful and literally hundreds of people served on our bond campaign.? he said. ‘It’s a great place to raise children.?
Younkman also described cooperation between businesses and local municipalities as ‘outstanding.? He said personnel throughout the school district are an exceptional group of people.
His office staff in the central office are professional, loyal and work hard.
‘To the school board, I offer my gratitude and appreciate their guidance and leadership. The schools are in excellent shape, but they must remain vigil,? he added.
Does Younkman foresee any new school buildings in Lake Orion’s future? He admitted it was impossible to predict.
Building more schools depends a lot on economics and the growth of Oakland Township. More than 20 percent of the township is in Orion’s school district — and much of that is open land.
Another factor determining possible building increases is rollover of homes in Orion. Will older residents be selling their homes and will younger couples with children be buying them?
According to Younkman, the school district’s enrollment will be ‘flat? next year and very little increase in student population is expected.
Younkman is retiring because of some minor health problems, which he said, is due to stress.
During the school year, he worked an average 65 hours a week, about three and one half nights a week.
According to Younkman, 100 superintendents are retiring in the state this year, nine of them from Oakland County. He believes some of the retirements are due to the uncertainties of school financing.
‘We’re all about the same age. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon. It’s not pretty. Those of us who closed schools before, laid off staff, then rebuilt it all, don’t have the heart to do it again.
‘And that’s going to happen again. Anything that’s cut today, you’ll never see again.?
And what are some of Younkman’s favorite moments in Lake Orion?
‘I don’t look back much, but commencement was special this year. This was a talented senior class; the speeches were different,? he said. ‘The opening of Oakview is stuck in the back of my mind as are the Blue Ribbon ceremonies we’ve had. Each were unique, neat moments.?
Younkman has taken a consultant job with the Institute for Strategic Learning out of Chicago. He’ll be doing strategic planning for Fortune 400 companies.
And no he isn’t moving from his home in Flint. Younkman said there’s no need to.
His first project after retiring will be remodeling a home he and his wife Marie have in Houghton Lake. Younkman will do much of the finish work.
‘It’s kind of a hobby with me,? he added. ‘Eventually it will be our year around house.?
Younkman also wants to spend more time with his family including three grandchildren (and another one on the way) and his father who’s in his 80s.