In a school district, “kids first” does not happen by accident. It takes steady leadership, clear goals, and a constant eye on how decisions today shape opportunities tomorrow. Jamie Rivette brings all of that to Hemlock Public School District—along with a rare blend of financial expertise, community spirit, and a parent’s heart for the schools her own children attend.
Jamie is married to Tony Rivette (Hemlock Class of 1994), and together they’re raising two Huskies—Alyssa and Dominic—who both attend Hemlock Public School District. As a graduate of Shepherd High School’s Class of 1995, Jamie went on to Northwood University on a cross country and track scholarship and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Accounting—launching a career built on precision, integrity, and service.
Professionally, Jamie is a CPA and Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) who has spent years working in audit and assurance—especially with governmental units and school districts. She currently serves as a Principal with Yeo & Yeo and has deep experience in the behind-the-scenes work that keeps public organizations healthy: strong internal controls, clear reporting, and responsible stewardship. (Yeo and Yeo) That background is a major asset in her role as Board Treasurer for Hemlock Public School District. (Yeo and Yeo)
Why Jamie serves
Jamie’s “why” is simple and powerful: she believes in giving back, and she believes good governance matters. Working as a school district auditor has given her a front-row seat to how school systems operate—what works, what breaks, and what it takes to keep student opportunities strong year after year. Serving on the Board lets her apply what she knows to help the district make informed, responsible decisions that support long-term success.
The challenge she’s focused on right now
Jamie believes the single greatest challenge facing the district is getting every adult rowing in the same direction—working together toward one shared goal: preparing students for the “real” world and helping them become good citizens.
And she’s clear about what that means: success is not one-size-fits-all. It includes students who choose college, students who pursue trade and technical pathways, and students who step straight into the workforce. She also recognizes financial concerns are real and deserve attention—but she doesn’t let the mission drift. The primary goal, she says, is educating children.
A proud Huskie moment
One of the moments that made Jamie especially proud to be a Huskie is the district’s continued commitment to student support and mental health—making sure students have access to the resources they need to thrive. She sees that work as essential, because student well-being and student learning go hand in hand.
What sets Hemlock apart
In Jamie’s view, Hemlock Public School District stands out for its drive. The district keeps improving, keeps listening, and keeps pushing for what students need—without getting comfortable. That “foot-on-the-gas” mindset is part of why she says, plainly: Hemlock is where you want to be.
That same mindset shows up in the district’s work around financial stability, too. In recent years, Hemlock has shared progress in fiscal management, including the ability to avoid cash-flow borrowing for payroll in multiple consecutive school years—something that is common in many Michigan districts.
What she’s excited to see unfold this year
Jamie is most excited about increased learning opportunities across the district—especially the kinds students can see and feel:
Updated science labs with improved audio/visual tools to support hands-on learning
More time for elementary students to explore and create in the STEM Center
Continued growth in opportunities at every grade level
What she’s learned since joining the board
Since joining the Board, Jamie says she has gained a deep appreciation for curriculum work—how much time, training, and collaboration it takes to build strong instruction from the ground up. Behind every lesson is a lot of professional effort, and seeing that up close has strengthened her respect for the educators doing the work every day.
The HPSD value that resonates most: Collaboration
When asked which district value resonates most right now—innovate, collaborate, educate—Jamie points to collaboration.
She sees it as the force behind the big work: community support, staff effort, and shared commitment coming together to create opportunities students would not have otherwise. In her view, the bond work and facility improvements are a clear example of that shared vision in action—proof that it truly takes a village to build a strong school.
Quick facts
Role: Board Treasurer, Hemlock Public School District (Yeo and Yeo)
Family: Married to Tony Rivette (Hemlock Class of 1994); children Alyssa and Dominic attend HPSD (hemlock.k12.mi.us)
Education: Shepherd High School (1995); Northwood University, Accounting (hemlock.k12.mi.us)
Professional: CPA, CGFM; Principal at Yeo & Yeo with a focus on governmental/school district assurance work (Yeo and Yeo)
Jamie Rivette is the kind of board member every district hopes for: a listener, a learner, and a steady hand—grounded in facts, motivated by service, and relentlessly committed to keeping students at the center of every decision. (hemlock.k12.mi.us)