Walled Lake Consolidated School District Names Superintendent John Bernia

The Walled Lake Consolidated School District has tapped former Warren Chief Academic Officer John Bernia as its next superintendent. He was selected by the district’s board of education over two finalists.

He will begin his tenure October 17. As superintendent, he hopes to make Oakview Middle School “the best place to be” in Walled Lake.

Early Life and Education

John grew up in Richmond and graduated from St. Augustine Catholic Church, where he was active in the parish council. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s in educational leadership from Oakland University.

He then worked as a seventh-grade social studies teacher and assistant principal at Oakview Middle School in Lake Orion before taking over as the school’s principal. Despite the loss of four teaching positions, he said he’s eager to continue improving the school’s programs and make a difference in students’ lives.

Bernia is a member of the National Association of Secondary School Principals and was recently named a Digital Principal of the Year. He says digital education is changing the way teachers and students learn. It can help them grade papers faster, close feedback loops and engage students more effectively.

Professional Career

John Bernia, who has spent 19 years in public education, is a seasoned veteran of the school administration arena. He has a wealth of experience that includes bond projects, millage campaigns, crisis management and strategic planning. He has also served as chief academic officer for Warren Consolidated Schools, where he supervised and led the building administrators, curriculum department, special education, public relations, student services, and other school department functions.

He is currently the principal of Oakview Middle School in Lake Orion, Michigan. He holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Oakland University, a master’s degree in educational leadership and an education specialist certificate. He has recently been named the new superintendent of Walled Lake Consolidated Schools and will take office on October 17, 2016. The district is one of the largest in Oakland County.

Achievements and Honors

John Bernia is currently the chief academic officer for Warren Consolidated Schools and has been in the education business for about 19 years. He has held several administrative positions and has extensive experience in education-related bond projects, negotiations, budgeting, millage campaigns, crisis management and strategic planning.

Aside from being a talented educator, Bernia has also been honored for his achievements as a leader in the educational community. He is a member of the Warren Consolidated Board of Education, was named an outstanding teacher in 2019, and is a recipient of the district’s most distinguished teacher award for 2019. The Walled Lake Consolidated School District’s board of education selected Bernia to be their next superintendent at its Sept. 8 meeting and approved his appointment and contract.

Personal Life

john bernia is an education professional who currently serves as principal at Oakview Middle School in Lake Orion. Originally from Richmond, MI, Bernia joined the Lake Orion Schools system as a seventh-grade social studies teacher in 2007.

As an administrator, he is passionate about enhancing educational opportunities for students through digital learning. He also enjoys working with teachers and building positive relationships with students and their families.

Having served as chief academic officer for Warren Consolidated Schools, he has a wide range of experience in education leadership. He has been involved in many aspects of public education including bond projects, negotiations, budgeting, millage campaigns and crisis management. In addition, he has a wealth of knowledge in school policy development and board policy. He has a master’s degree in education leadership from Oakland University and is pursuing a doctorate in organizational leadership from the same institution.