Remembering a school leader

KALAMAZOO COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - A community in Kalamazoo County came together to celebrate the life of a West Michigan school leader.

Superintendent Doctor Geoffrey Balkam died a week ago from injuries he suffered in a motorcycle crash. He had led the Climax-Scotts school district for twelve years.

In many school districts, students and parents might never have reason to interact with the superintendent, but Climax-Scotts is the smallest district in Kalamazoo County, and Dr. Balkam's was a familiar face in the area.

He was a man who wore many hats. He was known for reading to kids during reading month. Dr. Balkam had his own collection of Dr. Suess books, there was even a reading of 'Green Eggs and Ham' at the ceremony held Tuesday.

Climax-Scotts teacher and athletic-director Kevin Langs gave the eulogy. He told the crowd that Dr. Balkam made a huge investment of his time for the benefit of the students and the community.

"Here you have to be hands on, you have to be involved with kids, so his ability to say, I'm will to not just be superintendent, but be a mentor, was huge," Langs.

Current and former superintendents from all around Kalamazoo County attended Tuesday's celebration.

The superintendent of the Kalamazoo Regional Education Service Agency is stepping in to oversee Climax-Scott's schools until a new superintendent is named.