Our Board Spotlight: Jim Rummer

Jim is enjoying the start of his 25th year as a school administrator and his 24th year as a board member on this council. Before becoming a school administrator, he was a middle school math and science teacher. He has always taken great pride in advocating for all youth and their families, whether it be in education, housing, or health and safety.

For the past 17 years, he has served as the Regional Career and Technical Education Director for Char-Em ISD. In addition to his responsibilities as a CTE Director, he also oversees transportation and building/grounds for the ISD. Jim holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, and an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership.

Since 2005, Jim has taught graduate classes for Grand Valley State University in their Educational Leadership Master’s Program. He serves on numerous boards and committees both regionally and statewide. In 2023, Jim was humbled and honored to be nominated by his staff and awarded the Michigan Association of Career Technical Education School Administrator of the Year.

Favorite thing to do in Jim's spare time:  When he isn’t working, Jim enjoys spending time with his wife Haley (a former council board member) and his daughter Bryleigh, who will be starting her junior year at Harbor Springs High School. He loves traveling, engaging in various outdoor sports, cooking, reading, listening to music, and trying to keep up with Bryleigh’s involvement in three varsity sports and two travel sports.

Something fun about Jim:  Jim's wife and numerous friends have nicknamed him the “Weatherman” due to his fascination with the unique and sometimes extreme weather in northern Michigan. He often posts weather-related phenomena on social media, which has earned him the nickname.

 Jim wanted to share about social media awareness:   In today's digital age, social media is a part of everyday life. While it offers numerous benefits, it's important to be aware of the potential dangers it poses to our children. Did you know that over 70% of teenagers use social media daily? While these platforms can help kids connect and share experiences, they also come with significant risks. One of the primary dangers is cyberbullying. Online harassment can lead to severe emotional distress, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. Another concern is online predators. Children can be targeted by individuals with malicious intent, posing as friends or peers. Social media can also impact kids' mental health. Constant exposure to idealized images and lifestyles can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

To protect our children, it's crucial for parents and guardians to stay informed and involved. Encourage open communication. Let your children know they can come to you if they encounter anything unsettling online. Set boundaries. Establish rules for social media use, including time limits and the types of content they can share. Educate them about privacy. Teach kids to never share personal information online and to be cautious about accepting friend requests from strangers. Social media can be a great tool for staying connected, but it's essential to use it safely and responsibly. Let's work together to protect our children from the potential dangers of the online world. Let's keep our kids safe!

Thank you for sharing a little more about yourself Jim.

We appreciate you and all you do for your community and The CAPE Council!