Ingrid Dettman of Corunna Named Michigan High School Principal

CORUNA, MI – Corunna High School Principal Ingrid Dettman has been named the 2025-2026 Michigan High School Principal of the Year by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP).

The Middle School Principal of the Year award recognizes principals who, according to MASSP, “demonstrate shared leadership, excellence in curriculum and instruction, and meaningful interactions with students, staff and families.”

“I’m honored,” Dettman said. “I don’t like being the center of attention at all, so it’s hard for me. But if the kids are really interested in it, then for me it’s worth it.”

“I am proud to say that I represent La Coruña not only for the high school, but for the area as a whole.”

Corunna Public Schools Superintendent John Fattal had some excellent words to say about Dettman.

“I can’t imagine anyone working harder than Ingrid and anyone caring more about their students than she does,” Fattal said. “She’s incredible.

“We are lucky to have Ingrid on our team.”

Dettman has been principal at Corunna High School for about five years and has worked at the school in one capacity or another, including as a teacher, for more than two decades.

“She’s A Coruña through and through,” Fattal said.

The district initially learned that Dettman would be named high school principal of the year in October, but Fattal explained that the district waited until this week to tell her the news because MASSP wanted to hold a surprise awards presentation.

The surprise ceremony took place on November 25th in the high school gym.

That day, Dettman walked into the dark gymnasium before the lights were even turned on, revealing a crowd of high school students waiting inside.

“It was a lot of fun,” Fattal said. “There were several former superintendents here.

“It was a nice short ceremony just to let her know how much we care about her.”

The Middle School Principal of the Year award was presented to Dettman by Wendy Zdeb, executive director of MASSP, according to a statement from MASSP.

“Ingrid Dettman embodies the qualities of an exceptional leader—visionary, compassionate and deeply committed to her students and staff,” Zdeb said in a statement. “Her commitment to promoting a positive school culture and academic excellence makes her truly deserving of this recognition.”

Along with her nomination for Middle School Principal, MASSP received letters and testimonials from staff and student parents about Dettman and the impact she has made as a Middle School Principal.

“It was amazing how many people came and said how much she changed their lives,” Fattal said. “I think it just shows that we have good, hard-working people who care about our children. And I think Ingrid definitely deserves this award and recognition.”

Several teachers in the district, including high school special education teacher Rachel Hannah, praised Dettman in a MASSP statement.

“Her tireless efforts to create a safe and supportive environment have not only benefited the school, but have had a lasting positive impact on the lives of our students,” Hannah said.

This is not the first time one of the district’s leaders has received this award.

About 10 years ago, former Corunna High School assistant principal Scott Moeller was named high school principal of the year, Fattal said.

Dettman will continue to represent the state of Michigan as a nominee for the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Secondary School Principal of the Year Award during the NASSP Conference in Seattle, Washington in July 2025.

“I actually graduated from La Coruña High School, so for me it’s all about family. And here in La Coruña, we are a family, so I’m proud to represent this family and I hope that I make them proud by representing them like this, with this award,” Dettman said. “I want to make my home proud and my children are my main goal.

“A wise man once told me, “You can always go to bed and rest well if you know you made the best decision about your children.” If the decision you made was what you thought was best for the kids, then you’re on the right track.”

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