Mike White A 25-Year Journey of Heart, Harmony, and the Harmonica
NHA Communications TeamNHA Communications Team
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This Employee Spotlight series celebrates NHA’s 30th anniversary during the 2025-26 academic year and honors those whose dedication, leadership, and Moral Focus values have shaped our schools.
For 25 years, Mike White has been a constant presence in the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) family. From opening Excel Charter Academy as a parent to leading school communities as an administrator to now serving as a School Safety Specialist, Mike’s story is one of growth, purpose, and belief in NHA’s mission.
Before joining NHA as an employee, Mike’s connection began as a parent. He and his wife were looking for a safe, high-quality school for their oldest son. At the time, Mike was serving as a Grand Rapids police officer and saw firsthand the challenges facing local schools.
“I didn’t want my kids going to school at our local district,” he recalled. “We thought we might have to bite the bullet and pay for private school but then Excel Charter Academy opened. We toured the school, met the principal and we knew this was where our son belonged.”
That decision not only shaped his children’s education but also opened the door to Mike’s future career with NHA.
After retiring as a Grand Rapids police officer, Mike was unsure of what came next. His wife encouraged him to start substitute teaching, and that suggestion changed everything.
“Vanguard Charter Academy offered me a long-term sub position, and before long I was hired as a paraprofessional at Vista Charter Academy.”
What started as a temporary role quickly became a calling. Mike’s leadership and rapport with students led him into new opportunities. First as a Dean of Students, then as an Assistant Principal after completing his master’s in educational leadership.
“Each step challenged me to grow,” he shared. “Every position built on the one before it. That’s something I’ve always appreciated about NHA: the chance to keep learning while still making a difference for students.”
Years later, when NHA’s safety and security team was expanding, Mike’s background made him a natural fit.
“It just made sense with my experience as an officer, educator, and administrator all coming together in this role.”
Today, as a School Safety Specialist and Transportation Coordinator, Mike plays a key role in supporting NHA’s schools across the country. “I’ve always had an eye for school safety,” he said. “Even when I was a dean, I’d walk into a building and think about how we could make it safer. Now I get to focus on that full time, helping schools create environments where students and staff feel secure.”
Mike takes pride in working with a nationally recognized safety team. “We’re a group with diverse expertise, and that’s what makes us strong,” he said. “We’re constantly learning, adapting, and evolving because school safety changes so quickly. It’s challenging work, but it’s meaningful.”
When asked if 25 years feels like a long time, Mike smiled. “It doesn’t feel that long until I stop and think about it,” he said. “I’ve seen NHA grow from a handful of schools to over 100. My kids went through NHA, I worked in NHA schools, and now I help keep them safe. I’ve seen it from every angle, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.”
He credits NHA’s mission to transform lives through education as the driving force behind his long tenure. “I believed in NHA before I ever worked here,” he said. “My family lived the success story firsthand. That’s why I’m still here because I know the mission works.”
Outside of work, Mike has a creative side. “I play the harmonica,” he laughed. “I even performed in a staff band once for a school talent show. It’s something I picked up on my own years ago. I just decided to learn and stuck with it.”
Whether he’s playing music or ensuring schools are safe, one thing is clear: Mike approaches everything he does with the same steady commitment that’s defined his 25 years at NHA.
About National Heritage Academies
National Heritage Academies (NHA®) is a network of more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school. For more information, visit nhaschools.com. To find a charter school near you, use the NHA school finder.
For 25 years, Mike White has been a constant presence in the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) family. From opening Excel Charter Academy as a parent to leading school communities as an administrator to now serving as a School Safety Specialist, Mike’s story is one of growth, purpose, and belief in NHA’s mission.
A Father’s Search for the Right School
Before joining NHA as an employee, Mike’s connection began as a parent. He and his wife were looking for a safe, high-quality school for their oldest son. At the time, Mike was serving as a Grand Rapids police officer and saw firsthand the challenges facing local schools.
“I didn’t want my kids going to school at our local district,” he recalled. “We thought we might have to bite the bullet and pay for private school but then Excel Charter Academy opened. We toured the school, met the principal and we knew this was where our son belonged.”
That decision not only shaped his children’s education but also opened the door to Mike’s future career with NHA.
From Substitute Teacher to School Leader
After retiring as a Grand Rapids police officer, Mike was unsure of what came next. His wife encouraged him to start substitute teaching, and that suggestion changed everything.
“Vanguard Charter Academy offered me a long-term sub position, and before long I was hired as a paraprofessional at Vista Charter Academy.”
What started as a temporary role quickly became a calling. Mike’s leadership and rapport with students led him into new opportunities. First as a Dean of Students, then as an Assistant Principal after completing his master’s in educational leadership.
“Each step challenged me to grow,” he shared. “Every position built on the one before it. That’s something I’ve always appreciated about NHA: the chance to keep learning while still making a difference for students.”
Finding His Fit in School Safety
Years later, when NHA’s safety and security team was expanding, Mike’s background made him a natural fit.
“It just made sense with my experience as an officer, educator, and administrator all coming together in this role.”
Today, as a School Safety Specialist and Transportation Coordinator, Mike plays a key role in supporting NHA’s schools across the country. “I’ve always had an eye for school safety,” he said. “Even when I was a dean, I’d walk into a building and think about how we could make it safer. Now I get to focus on that full time, helping schools create environments where students and staff feel secure.”
Mike takes pride in working with a nationally recognized safety team. “We’re a group with diverse expertise, and that’s what makes us strong,” he said. “We’re constantly learning, adapting, and evolving because school safety changes so quickly. It’s challenging work, but it’s meaningful.”
A Career Built on Purpose
When asked if 25 years feels like a long time, Mike smiled. “It doesn’t feel that long until I stop and think about it,” he said. “I’ve seen NHA grow from a handful of schools to over 100. My kids went through NHA, I worked in NHA schools, and now I help keep them safe. I’ve seen it from every angle, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.”
He credits NHA’s mission to transform lives through education as the driving force behind his long tenure. “I believed in NHA before I ever worked here,” he said. “My family lived the success story firsthand. That’s why I’m still here because I know the mission works.”
Fun Fact: The Harmonica Player
Outside of work, Mike has a creative side. “I play the harmonica,” he laughed. “I even performed in a staff band once for a school talent show. It’s something I picked up on my own years ago. I just decided to learn and stuck with it.”
Whether he’s playing music or ensuring schools are safe, one thing is clear: Mike approaches everything he does with the same steady commitment that’s defined his 25 years at NHA.
About National Heritage Academies
National Heritage Academies (NHA®) is a network of more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school. For more information, visit nhaschools.com. To find a charter school near you, use the NHA school finder.