Port Huron, MI — Matthew Ruiz, current assistant director of the Blue Water Middle College Academy, is preparing to become its next director. Ruiz is stepping into the role in May after the retirement of Pete Spencer.
Blue Water Middle College Academy is a public charter school that collaborates with select St. Clair County high schools and St. Clair County Community College to help students get a head start on college.
Ruiz has been working with students in the Middle College since 2011 after a prior career in the St. Clair County District Court as an assistant prosecutor and a clerk for Judge Peter Deegan.
Ruiz said, “I appreciate the board’s confidence in me, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to lead such a great organization. I look forward to continuing to help families realize the dream of sending their child to college. I’m especially grateful to Pete for his guidance. The middle college is strong today because of his work over the past decade.”
Pete Spencer has been leading Blue Water Middle College since its inception and was instrumental in establishing the charter school in the community. He served in his role as director for 10 years.
Ruiz plans to work closely with the staff, the middle college Board of Trustees, and the school’s students and families. He also plans to lead a community outreach program and build partnerships with local organizations to grow enrollment.
Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand
