Graphic of LCS Strategic plan
A parent holding a toddler on her lap while working on a laptop. A red text graphic reads, "Back-to-School Updates: ParentVue Open for the New Year." Full details in caption.
R.J. Kaplan Attended Wayne State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology, and he attended Eastern Michigan University, where he earned a Master of Arts in K-12 Administration. He has been married to his wife, Monica, for 26 years.  They have two sons-one is a graduate of MSU and is pursuing medical school.  Their youngest is finishing his last year at U of M and pursuing a nursing degree.  They definitely have a house divided!  In his free time, he loves to work out, fish for salmon on the big lake in Frankfort, MI, and grill outdoors. We asked why he wants to work for Linden.  He said, “For the past 16 years, we have called Linden home.  Linden is a special place for us, and we love being a part of the community.  We enjoy everything from the yearly homecoming parade to several downtown events that make this quaint city the beautiful community that it is.  It has been a longtime dream of mine to be part of Linden Community Schools.  For years, my wife and I have enjoyed taking long walks through our community, often passing the schools throughout the district.”  These school buildings remind him of the next generation learning, growing, and discovering who they will become.   Welcome to the team! #LINDENEAGLETEAM
Ethan Freel  Attended Western Michigan University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Teaching and Learning Math, and a Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education. When asked about him, he said, “My family and friends mean a lot to me.  I like to go on walks, cook, or watch a show with them.  In my downtime, I like to read either novels or history books.” We asked why he wants to work for Linden.  He said, “All the people I know and have met in Linden have been welcoming, supportive people for as long as I have known the community.  I am excited to be a part of the community that has produced such wonderful people.  The staff at Linden High School are into some very cool ways of teaching, and I can’t wait to be a part of that group.”  Welcome to the team! #LINDENEAGLETEAM
Melissa Majorana Attended the University of Michigan-Flint, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education. She and her husband have two children who are highly educated and successful professionals.  She enjoys family outings to concerts, plays, and seasonal activities.  She also enjoys bargain hunting at thrift shops, exploring boutiques, going to the beach and shell collecting, bike riding, trying new recipes, and adult coloring.   We asked, “Why do you want to work for Linden Community Schools?”  She said, “My children are graduates of Linden.  The education they received was exceptional and prepared them for their future college and grad school.  While attending Linden Schools, my children were involved with many extracurricular activities.  I enjoyed attending these events and was always thankful for the experience and friendships they developed.  Knowing the level of education and dedication of the staff in the district, as well as being part of the community, is why I want to work for Linden Community Schools.” Welcome to the team! #LINDENEAGLETEAM
Steve Haderlein Attended Illinois State University and Concordia University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Teacher Education and a Master of Business Administration in Business Management. He is married to his wife, Hannah, and they have one daughter, Georgia, born in November 2025.   They have two cats, Dale and Fitz.  He was born and raised on the northside of Chicago and is a fan of Chicago sports: Bears, Cubs, Bulls, and Blackhawks.  He also enjoys trivia, board games, and card games, especially euchre. He is looking forward to helping expand the business offerings for students and providing them with opportunities to develop professional skills through DECA.  Welcome to the team! #LINDENEAGLETEAm
Rebecca Barnes Attended Lansing Community College and Michigan State University.  She has a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education and a Master of Arts in Counseling. She loves spending time with family, friends, and especially her grandkids.  She also said, “I love to have fun, laugh, play games, and cards.   I love music and singing, especially at church.”   We also asked why she chose Linden Community Schools, and she said, “I love the Linden Community as I live nearby in north Howell.  I especially love working with students at the high school to achieve their post-secondary goals.  Whether it’s college, trade school, or employment after graduation.  Helping students to be successful in achieving those goals is my mission.  I love to see the joy on their faces as they tell me the schools they have been accepted to, scholarships they have received, or entry-level careers they will be starting, and I consider it a privilege to have helped play a part in that success.   Welcome to the team! #LINDENEAGLETEAM
Alayna Mantei Attended SVSU and Oakland University, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in Technology and Instructional Design. She is a dedicated educator who loves to spend time with family and friends.  She enjoys days on the lake, golfing, reading, going for walks, and binge-watching a good show.  She said, “I am proud to be a new employee for Linden Community Schools, and am excited to share my knowledge and technology expertise to help the district reach its strategic plan goals.  I believe it takes a village, and I am dedicated to doing my part by supporting teachers, engaging with the community, and keeping student growth at the heart of everything I do.”  Welcome to the team! #LINDENEAGLETEAM
Linden's Male and Female Choice One Bank Athletes of the Year
LINDEN COMMUNITY SCHOOLS WISHES YOU A WONDERFUL SUMMER BREAK  K012 SCHOOL BUILDING WILL CLOSE JUNE 17, 2026, AND REPOPEN ON JULY 29, 2026
Samantha Moule 3rd Grade Teacher Hyatt Elementary Samantha Moule Attended Michigan State University and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education. She grew up in Milford, MI, and says she values and enjoys spending time with her family and friends, especially when the weather is nice, and they can be outside on the water!    She says she is passionate about teaching and making a lasting impact on her students.  We asked, Why do you want to work for Linden Community Schools?  She said, I want to work for Linden Community Schools because it is clear to see the strong community that Linden is.  I look forward to building relationships with staff, students, and their families and becoming a part of the Linden Community!  Welcome to the team! #LINDENEAGLETEAM
Ian Crampton, 5th Grade Teacher, Central Elementary,Ian Crampton Earned his Master of Education in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University.   He enjoys plenty of family and friend time, staying active and busy outside of his daily responsibilities.  Half of the year is spent playing hockey, and the other half is spent golfing.  We asked, “Why do you want to work for LCS?”  He said, “I want to work for LCS because I have a strong desire to give back to the community that raised me. The opportunity to guide youth into adulthood and eventual members of society is a privilege. I believe I have been prepared to do just that.” Welcome to the team! #LINDENEAGLETEAM
Kelsie Vanitvelt, 4th grade teacher at Central Elementary -Kelsie Vanitvelt Earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from SVSU.   She was born & raised in Grand Blanc, MI.  Her family, friends, and community are very important to her. She says, “I have always known that I wanted to be a teacher and have the opportunity to help shape the minds of future generations.”  She grew up playing volleyball and has a passion not only for teaching, but also for coaching.  She added, “I am excited to begin my career at Linden Community Schools and look forward to building relationships with the Linden Community.” Welcome to the team! #LINDENEAGLETEAM
Welcome Katie Wright, Administrative Assistant Hyatt Elementary. Katie Wright joins the Hyatt Elementary team!  She enjoys reading, baking, camping with friends, and exploring the outdoors with her family.  They are also avid fishermen and hunters. She said she wanted to work for Linden Community Schools because the entire district encapsulates what our small-town community is.  The parents are highly involved, the teachers are incredibly attentive, and to be able to support these two groups to ensure our children are successful in a kind and caring environment is truly a privilege. Welcome to the team! #LINDENEAGLETEAM