Dr. Travis Depuydt

Superintendent, North Central Area Schools

Dr. Travis Depuydt has led North Central Area Schools (NCA) with vision, resilience, and a relentless focus on student-centered innovation. Since becoming superintendent, Dr. Depuydt has positioned the district as a model of rural educational leadership, securing more than $15.5 million in competitive grants—including a landmark $15.4 million Section 12d Internal Consolidation Grant. This funding is being used to transition NCA into a single, state-of-the-art K-12 facility that will unify students, staff, and the broader community for generations to come.

Under his leadership, NCA has reintroduced music and art programming, expanded career and college readiness through new CTE offerings and concurrent enrollment partnerships with Bay College and Northern Michigan University, and launched a district-created online learning program to eliminate barriers and ensure equitable access for all learners. During his career, Dr. Depuydt has also prioritized student engagement and wellness, overseeing initiatives that helped improve his district’s attendance by 7% and proposing a community wellness track as part of the district’s broader facility plan.

Recognized for his leadership across Michigan, Dr. Depuydt was also selected by Marquis Who’s Who in America as one of the state’s top educational leaders. Diagnosed with cancer in 2021, he completed his doctorate and assumed the superintendency while undergoing treatment—a testament to his resilience and dedication to public education.

Dr. Depuydt’s leadership continues to inspire those around him, combining data-driven decisionmaking with a deep belief that every student deserves opportunity, support, and a sense of belonging.

Outside of his professional work, Dr. Depuydt enjoys spending time with his wife Katie and their two sons, Dawson and Daxton. Whether attending local events, enjoying the outdoors, or simply being together as a family, those moments remain his greatest source of joy and motivation.