Rice, Waha Hired as New Assistant Principals of MPS Middle Schools

August 3, 2026 - Midland Public Schools (MPS) is pleased to announce the appointment of two new assistant principals at its middle school buildings. Chris Waha will become an assistant principal at Jefferson Middle School, and Julie Rice will join Northeast Middle School as an assistant principal.

These positions were created as part of an administrative structural redesign aimed at optimizing building systems and student supports. In addition to being cost-neutral, the design strategically targets enhancing assistance for students who receive Special Services.

Julie Rice brings more than 23 years of experience in K-12 education to MPS. She has served as both an elementary and secondary teacher and an administrator in several school districts, including roles in Flushing, Michigan; Aurora, Colorado; and Shanghai, China. Most recently, she served as the campus administrator for Fox Ridge Middle School in Aurora, Colorado. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from the University of Michigan and an EdS in educational leadership from the University of Northern Colorado.

"Strong schools are built on strong leadership, and we're excited to welcome Chris and Julie to these important roles,” said MPS Superintendent Penny Miller-Nelson. “Their experience, dedication, and commitment to supporting both students and staff will strengthen our middle school communities. By expanding leadership within our buildings through this cost-neutral approach, we're better positioned to meet the needs of our students while continuing to provide the high-quality educational experience our families expect."

Rice, Waha Hired as New Assistant Principals of MPS Middle Schools