After a vote of the Chelsea board of education on May 18, the Chelsea School District announced the hiring of Eric McCalla as the next Athletic Director (AD) at Chelsea High School. Currently serving as Superintendent of Bellevue Community Schools, McCalla brings longstanding ties to the Chelsea community.
The school district said the hiring is effective July 1.Matt Cunningham, who has been serving as AD, will transition also on July 1, into the role of Director of Recreation and Education within Chelsea’s Recreation and Education department.
“Throughout the interview process, Eric demonstrated a strong understanding of educational athletics, relationship centered leadership, and a deep commitment to students, staff, and community,” said Chelsea Superintendent Mike Kapolka in the announcement. “His extensive educational leadership experience across multiple districts and roles, combined with his strong connection to Chelsea, and passion for educational athletics, made him the right fit for this position. We are excited to welcome Eric back to Chelsea and look forward to the leadership, vision, and energy he will bring to our athletic programs and broader school community.”
McCalla is a 1996 graduate of Chelsea High School.
He earned a Master of Arts Degree in Leadership and Counseling and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Studies from Eastern Michigan University, and also holds Michigan Administrative and Professional Teaching certifications.
The school district said he brings “longstanding ties to the Chelsea community through his service on the Chelsea Community Fair Board, where he currently serves as Board President.”
His previous experience also includes teaching social studies at Grass Lake High School while also building an extensive coaching background in football, track, and wrestling. The school district said he also competed collegiately as a member of the track and field teams at both Grand Valley State University and Eastern Michigan University.
114 North Main St Suite 10 Chelsea, MI 48118
