When Lauren Sanborn moved back to Michigan over three years ago to accept a position with Lake Orion Schools, she knew she wanted to live and work in the same community.
‘I missed not being part of the community in which I worked, so I made a conscious decision to move smack dab in the middle of it,? Sanborn said of her home in the village.
‘I’m very proud to be in this district,? she added. ‘Lake Orion is truly a top-notch district.?
The new Paint Creek Elementary Principal first came to Lake Orion as the supervisor for Learning Options High School. Prior to this, Sanborn worked for the St. Paul Public Schools in Minnesota for 10 years.
Sanborn worked as the supervisor of Learning Options for three years, and while she said she would miss working with the high schoolers, she’s excited to work with the younger kids.
‘I believe that students? education needs need to be met at a young age,? she said, noting it is also the time kids shape themselves as ‘good students? and develop the skills and routines to be successful.
‘I want education to be exciting,? Sanborn added. ‘I want kids to be enthused to get up and come to school.?
According to Sanborn, issues she plans to focus on are working with at-risk kids, as well as maintaining fiscal responsibility, making sure ‘every dollar is put to the best use for students.?
She is excited to work with the staff, noting they are a ‘phenomenal group of teachers that have created a school family.?
‘Teamwork, collaboration and staff connectedness ? that’s how (Paint Creek) operates,? Sanborn said. ‘They are truly here for kids first.?
In her new position as principal, Sanborn said she is looking forward to working not only with the students, but also with their families.
‘Education isn’t just a student issue, it’s a family issue, a community issue,? she said, noting one of her goals is to strengthen the parental involvement at Paint Creek.
‘Parents can contribute to a school in just about any capacity,? Sanborn added.
In addition to her role as principal at Paint Creek, Sanborn also serves as the president of the North Oakland Community Coalition, an organization that focuses on ‘healthy families for healthy community? and reducing instances of substance use and abuse in the community.
Sanborn lives in Lake Orion with her two children, Ryan, a third grader at Blanche Sims, and Reagan, a second grader, and their dog, Lexi. They enjoy riding bikes and taking day trips around Michigan.