Fredlund named new principal at Warren Woods Tower

WARREN — When he was a kindergarten student attending Briarwood Elementary School in Warren Woods Public Schools, Ian Fredlund already had a career plan.

“I’m the rare elementary kid who wanted to be a principal one day,” he said.

That aspiration came true. At the June 12 Warren Woods Public Schools Board of Education meeting, the school board appointed Fredlund as the new Warren Woods Tower High School principal. Fredlund is taking over for Mike Mackenzie, the longtime principal, who recently left the district for the principal position at Anchor Bay High School.

“When you get your dream job, it’s overwhelming,” Fredlund said.

Fredlund is stepping into the job after serving since 2016 as assistant principal at Warren Woods Tower alongside colleague Colleen Gruben, the school’s assistant principal. Fredlund learned quite a bit under Mackenzie.

“I’ll continue his (Mackenzie’s) legacy and what he’s built while also being my own administrator,” Fredlund said. “We’ve got such a strong relationship with the school board and the administrative team. My plan is to be working for Warren Woods for the longevity of my career.”

That includes strengthening relationships with students, teachers and support staff, and making connections with members of the community. Studying data to determine how to best help students also is a priority.

Under his leadership, Fredlund — known for being approachable and willing to help his colleagues with any issues that arise — will continue to encourage professional learning communities among the staff. A PLC is a team of educators who share ideas to enhance their teaching practice and create a learning environment geared toward student success.

District Superintendent Stacey Denewith-Fici recommended Fredlund for the principal position. According to her written recommendation, the educator “demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities that make him well-suited for this role.”

“As WWT assistant principal, Ian quickly established himself as an instructional leader and what was integral in the staff’s growth and dedication to instructional technology. In addition, while leadership is the key, he has embraced the ‘less desirable’ role of disciplinarian as well,” the superintendent’s recommendation stated. “He can balance the concerns of staff, while ensuring that students have access to the curriculum in a safe and conducive learning environment. Parents are receptive to his feedback and appreciate his relationship driven approach to discipline issues that arise.”

“It’s being there for kids while they go through their ups and downs. You see the impact you have. You get to help kids through some difficult situations,” Fredlund said. “I think students are way more capable of anything you could ever dream of. They don’t ever not surprise you.”

Prior to becoming a Warren Woods Tower assistant principal, Fredlund taught for four years at the district’s Enterprise High School.

“That program is very near and dear to my heart. Every student needs to finish with a diploma or GED,” Fredlund said. “EHS is our alternative high school program that students utilize in order to recover credit they need to earn a high school diploma. Students can recover credits and transfer back to WWT. Also, students from other districts attend EHS if there is room.”

Fredlund comes from a family of educators, including his sisters who are teachers, a grandparent, an aunt and his parents who are retired from Detroit Public Schools. And he’s also a Titan — a 2006 Warren Woods Tower graduate. When he began working in education, he said, “It felt like winning the lottery.”

In regard to Mackenzie, “He will be missed,” Denewith-Fici said via email.

“Beyond his professional achievements, what truly sets Mike apart is the depth of his character. Mike has not only been an outstanding principal but also a friend, mentor, and confidant to countless individuals within Warren Woods,” she said. “The impact of his kindness, compassion, and unwavering support for both students and staff cannot be overstated.”