Kentwood Public Schools; Lowell Area Schools; Northview Public Schools; Rockford Public Schools; . Changes have been made to simplify password management and increase security. We will continue to consistently emphasize: 1. School News Network is community journalism at work, funded through the donations of our sponsors and member school districts and developed by Kent ISD. He will earn a starting salary of $204,500 when he takes the reins on July 1. A Calvin University graduate, she later returned to Calvin to help manage its national writing festival. She is fascinated by the nuances of language, loves to travel and has strong feelings about the Oxford comma. For the 2023 school year, there are 16 public schools serving 9,085 students in Kentwood Public Schools School District. 9 Wyoming Millage Informational Meeting, KDL Wyoming Branch, 7 p.m. Mar.13: Wyoming City Council Work Session, 5:30 pm, Mar.20: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, Mar. There will also be an option for limited in-person seating and viewing opportunities at the administration building during the interviews. 21: Wyoming Planning Commission, 7 pm, Mar. Anyone who wants to attend the interviews in person is asked to RSVP by emailing interviews@kentwoodps.org. Positive relationships and high expectations:Positive relationships provide the support needed to overcome difficult life circumstances. We are a "no-excuse" district. K . The interviews will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person. Central to this effort is our commitment to help students develop a growth mindset that reflects high expectations. 3. Grand Rapids Zoerhoff, who announced in November he was retiring June 30, was named Kentwoods superintendent in 2013. City of Wyoming meetings are live on Comcast Channel 26 or click here. Benefits Information Frontline Login Google Apps Synergy SIS COVID-19 Self Diagnosis Polston, currently superintendent for Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, will take the reins from Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff, who retires June 30 after eight years in the role. You can apply for school of choice to have your student attend with us in the fall. Second round interviews/First Opportunity for Board Selection of Superintendent, Second Opportunity for Board Selection of Superintendent, Interested candidates should complete and submit an online application found at, All questions regarding the search should be directed to Jay D. Bennett, Assistant Director of Executive Search Services, Michigan Association of School Boards, at 517.327.5928 or. Godwin Heights The Board of Education, and the Michigan Association of School Boards, which is assisting the search, announced today, April 20, that the Kentwood Public Schools superintendent posting closed on April 6, with considerable interest and 31 applicants, and Board of Education has selected the six candidates for first-round interviews. The Jenison Board of Education unanimously selected Graham as the next. Internal network link ONLY This server does not have access outside of the KPS Network for security reasons. Gildas LaughFest hosting pop-up shop on Saturday, GVSU to celebrate Womens History Month with campus events, Leaders, visionaries, entrepreneurs explore Grand Rapids effort to become a region tech hub, Rotary Club of Grand Rapids present annual service award to Kate Pew Wolters, Grand Rapids Ballet Schools Junior Company present Wizard of Oz, Broadway Grand Rapids announces 2023-2024 season, Joanne Bailey-Boorsma, WKTV Managing Editor, Woodland Mall to offer Holiday Your Way options for shoppers, families this season. She will interview at 7:15 p.m. This three-year contract demonstrates the commitment of the Board of Education and Mr. Polston to the long-standing tradition of excellence at Kentwood Public Schools, Madden said in a prepared statement. KENTWOOD, MI The Kentwood Board of Education will interview six candidates this month in the search for the districts next superintendent. According to the announcement, interviews will be held in person, with appropriate social distancing, at the Kentwood Administration Building, 5820 Eastern Ave., in Kentwood. 6: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, Mar. This follows last week's . Kentwood Our Families are an integral and valued part of the Education of our Students. This link will go live at approximately 5:45 p.m. the day of the interviews. I look forward to listening and learning from each of you in the weeks and months ahead to continue the education of excellence that is expected in Kentwood Public Schools. He will receive a longevity stipend of $12,860 for each year of the contract. Kentwood is the third largest district in Kent and Ottawa counties with more than 9,000 students. Norris ken@wktv.org City of Kentwood meetings are available by clickinghere. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. 27: Wyoming Millage Informational Meeting, Gezon Fire Station, 7 p.m. Apr. To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the potential risk of exposure to our employees and visitors, all staff are required to complete a daily screening questionnaire at or before the beginning of your work day. The safety of our employees and community members remains the primary concern for Kentwood Public Schools. Grandville We provide the best-trained staff to educate our children in a safe and orderly environment. Sparta Beth has also written for The Grand Rapids Press, Fox 17 and several West Michigan businesses and nonprofits. KENTWOOD, MI The Kentwood Board of Education recently approved a three-year contract for Kevin Polston, who will replace retiring Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff at the end of the school year. Compensation will be commensurate with experience of the successful candidate and requirements of the position. Superintendent Kevin Polston said in a statement to News 8, "the district has high expectations for student behavior and based upon the outcomes of the investigation, will take action in. Even at the end of my career, that pride of teaching still remains. Kent ISD's New Strategic Plan Learn more about LEAD, Kent ISD's new strategic plan, and our updated Vision, Mission and Values. He will also receive an educational stipend of $10,500 for each year until he finishes his doctorate degree, which is scheduled to be completed on or before Dec. 31, 2022. Show Like Word Matches. Grand Rapids The Kentwood Public Schools Board of Education will interview six finalists including two in-house candidates and the current superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools on April 28-29, to replace Michael Zoerhoff as superintendent, who will leave the position at the end of the school year. The Board of Education selected as finalists: The posting for the position received 31 applicants, according to information from the Michigan Association of School Boards. 21: Wyoming Planning Commission, 7 pm, Mar. Private Junior High School. In addition, and most importantly, our students' positive self concepts and winning attitudes will make you glad to call Kentwood your home! KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD) Kentwood Public Schools has selected its next superintendent. 13: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 5 pm, Apr. Wyoming, Kent ISD | 2930 Knapp NE | Grand Rapids MI 49525. This is true for students, staff, and especially for leaders. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. SE Kentwood, MI 49508P: 616.455.4400 | F: 616.455.4476, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. school year7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. summer break (M-Th)7:30 a.m. - 11:30a.m. The Kentwood Public Schools Board of Education will interview six finalists including two in-house candidates and the current superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools on April 28-29, to replace Michael Zoerhoff as superintendent, who will leave the position at the end of the school year. 318 followers 314 connections. Kent ISD Scheduled to be interviewed on Thursday, April 29, are Evan Hordyk, executive director of secondary education, Kentwood Public Schools (6 p.m.); Nkenge Bergan, director of student services, Kalamazoo Public Schools (7 p.m.); and Jamie Gordon, executive director of human resources, Kentwood Public Schools (8 p.m.). Rockford The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Camera offers new perspective, career goal, Loves math, wants to work in medicine with children, Students present artistic twist on being nice, New initiative aims to connect students with careers & schools with employers, District buildings promote mental health awareness, An MSU grads painful reflection: violence has turned my former green-and-white home red, https://www.kentwoodps.org/ourdistrict/boardofeducation/, Patient parapro + purposeful play = preschool progress, Civic-minded scholars delve into study of the Constitution, Student-organized college Q&A panel earns high marks. KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD) Kentwood Public Schools Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff is preparing to retire. You will now have one password for multiple accounts. Kentwood Public Schools taps nearby district leader Kevin Polston, of Godfrey-Lee, to be next superintendent, Michigan State University teams up with elementary school to help teachers with virtual classrooms, Thousands of Michigan students will get free WiFi hotspots and internet for remote learning. My personal vision of changing the world through opportunities for students is one Kentwood has carried out through the vision of Excellence and Equity in Education, he said. We provide the best-trained staff to educate our children in a safe and orderly environment. Parents allow us to work with their most precious gift - and we are thankful for their confidence and support. Northview The unanimous vote to offer the position to Superintendent Polston will continue the tradition of leadership excellence that our community has come to expect.. Byron Center Kelloggsville The Capturing Kids Hearts program that guides staff members and teachers in their work with our students will continue in the year ahead. Caledonia To accommodate proper social distancing, the Board of Education asks that you RSVP if you intend to attend the interviews in person by emailing interviews@kentwoodps.org. Graham, who has worked at Jenison for 22 years, will replace retiring superintendent Tom TenBrink on July 1, 2021. Polston has served as superintendent of Godfrey-Lee schools since 2017. What do I do? All rights reserved (About Us). If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Kentwood Public Schools is the most diverse district in the state, which is part of what makes it so special, . View All. Mar. To accommodate proper social distancing, the Board of Education asks that interested persons RSVP to attend the interviews in person by emailing: interviews@kentwoodps.org. 17: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. Gretchen Whitmers Return to Learn Advisory Council, and in February was appointed chairperson of the governors statewide Student Recovery Advisory Council. 27: Wyoming Millage Informational Meeting, Wyoming Police Station, 7 pm. 13: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 5 pm, Apr. Kent City Polstons base salary will increase to $211,500 in the second year of his contract. KENTWOOD, Mich. Kentwood Public Schools (KPS) will be tightening security at Thursday's East Kentwood High School graduation. Polston was hired in 2017 to lead neighboring Godfrey-Lee schools. Updated: 6:08 PM EDT May 25, 2022. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Check out the calendar, talk with peers, give us a "like" or a follow on Facebook and more. Forest Hills In the Nov. 12 announcement, Zoerhoff offered appreciation to the KPS Board of Education, the Kentwood community, district staff, and, of course, all the students he has worked with and for over the years. KENTWOOD, MI - A newcomer is seeking to unseat one of three incumbent candidates who are up for reelection to the Kentwood Public Schools Board of Education in the November general. Finally, after the COVID challenges of the past year and a half, I am excited that we can continue in-person learning in the fall of 2021. Kentwood Public Schools Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff has announced that at the end of this school year he will retire after 33 years as a teacher, coach, principal and district administrator working with students all along. Six candidates will interview for the open role of Kentwood Public Schools superintendent. In the coming months, I look forward to listening and learning in our Kentwood community as I engage with parents, students, teachers, and staff in a range of forums. Both will report directly to new Superintendent Kevin Polston, according to an announcement from the district. The field with [emailprotected] can be in the following formats. Our environment and comprehensive standards develop self-motivated students who upon graduation are ready to assume the role of responsible individuals in a global society. Business profile of Kentwood Public Schools, located at 5820 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508. I look forward to building positive relationships with staff, students, families and the community of Kentwood as we collaboratively continue the longstanding tradition of excellence.. In addition to the salary, the school board will also contribute $20,450 annually to a tax-deferred annuity for Polston. Last Name: Mar. On May 6, the Kentwood Board of Education selected Polston from a pool of six finalist candidates who interviewed to be the new superintendent. (Supplied/Kentwood Pubic Schools) By K.D. summer break (F), Field Trips, Mentors, and other Experiences, Kentwood Public Schools Educational Foundation. While there have been some leadership changes at Kentwood Public Schools, some things will not change. School News Network is community journalism at work, funded through the donations of our sponsors and member school districts and developed by Kent ISD. Camera offers new perspective, career goal, Loves math, wants to work in medicine with children, Students present artistic twist on being nice, New initiative aims to connect students with careers & schools with employers, District buildings promote mental health awareness, An MSU grads painful reflection: violence has turned my former green-and-white home red, Patient parapro + purposeful play = preschool progress, Civic-minded scholars delve into study of the Constitution, Student-organized college Q&A panel earns high marks. 3: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, April 3: Kentwood City Commission Budget Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). KENTWOOD, MI -- After 33 years of service to Kentwood Public Schools, Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff announced Wednesday, Nov. 11 that he will retire at the end of the 2020-21 school year.. Assistant Director of Executive Search Services, Michigan Association of School Boards, at 517.327.5928 or jbennett@masb.org. Must include 3 out of 4 of the following. 7: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm. 10: Wyoming City Council Work Session, 5:30 pm, Apr. In February, Polston was appointed by Gov. SE. Links to organizations and articles to aid in dealing with trauma. Kelloggsville KPS Superintendent Search Input: Dear Parents, Guardians, Students, Staff and Kentwood Community Members: The Kentwood Public Schools Board of Education has begun the process of soliciting. Kentwood Public Schools announced this week that after 33 years of service in the district Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff plans to retire on June 30, 2021, at the conclusion of the 2020-21 school year. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Zoerhoff is one of several school leaders in Kent and Ottawa counties that announced retirement amid the coronavirus pandemic. The "Old password"field is the current password that has expired City of Kentwood meetings are available by clickinghere. Listening and being responsive to our Kentwood community, both internal and external, has always been important, Madden said. Retired Superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools Caledonia, Michigan, United States. Our Families are an integral and valued part of the Education of our Students. 24: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. Superintendent's Office Superintendent's Office Superintendent's Welcome Greetings from Farmington Public Schools! Field Trips, Mentors, and other Experiences, Kentwood Public Schools Educational Foundation. With around 1,800 students, the district has one of the largest populations of Hispanic students in the state, with 50% of students identified as English language learners. Gretchen Whitmer to chair the Student Recovery Advisory Council for the state of Michigan, which has been tasked with examining how the state can help students recover. Comstock Park With a strong leadership team, we are expecting the transition to be seamless.. Staff, students and members of the public are also encouraged to learn more about the candidates at two virtual open houses on Wednesday afternoon one for Polston at 2 p.m. and one for Bergan at 3 p.m. Zoom links are available on the district website. 21: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm. The "New password" field is the new password that you would like to set 27: Wyoming Millage Informational Meeting, Wyoming Police Station, 7 pm. The Kent ISD School Board recently announced the appointment of Sylvia James to fill the opening on the board created when Bill Joseph retired. He also served in 2019 as chair of the Kent Intermediate Superintendents Association Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. Follow us on Facebook; Follow us on Twitter/span> . Superintendent at Kentwood Public Schools Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States 865 followers 500+ connections Join to view profile Kentwood Public Schools Michigan State University. I look forward to continuing the strong partnership between our community and Kentwood Public Schools.. Positive relationships provide the strength to meet high expectations and tackle what feels like the impossible. Last year he served as a member of Gov. Our community understands the link between quality schools and safe and stable neighborhoods, Zoerhoff said. His consistent drive over the years to help all students receive an education of excellence has been a guiding light for students, parents, teachers and staff members.. Nkenge Bergan, director of student services for Kalamazoo Public Schools. Excellence and equity: Kentwood Public Schools is a global district with a commitment to excellence and equity in all that we do. In an industry where leaders frequently change school districts, Zoerhoff spent his entire 33-year career in Kentwood Public Schools, serving as a teacher, coach, principal, assistant principal, assistant superintendent and finally as superintendent, according to the announcement. "Veronica . The Board will offer a comprehensive, multi-year contract. Our families are an integral and valued part of the education of our students. Six candidates were interviewed April 28 and 29. Cedar Springs Average Kentwood Public Schools hourly pay ranges from approximately $11.41 per hour for Childcare Provider to $17.80 per hour for Site Coordinator. Although Zoerhoff will be retiring as superintendent, his two children will continue to attend Kentwood Public Schools and his family plans to remain within the Kentwood community. Mr. Community members, staff and students are encouraged to watch the interviews online as they take place. Public School Kentwood Public Schools | Kentwood MI Go tohttps://www.kentwoodps.org/ourdistrict/boardofeducation/and click on the link at that time to watch the board meeting and interviews. High expectations and a growth mindset: Kentwood Grit means that we have a growth mindset coupled with high expectations and this encourages every student to succeed and develop socially, emotionally, and academically. He will interview at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Caledonia The following interviews are scheduled for Wednesday, April 28: The following interviews are scheduled for Thursday, April 29: First-round interviews will be held in person at the Kentwood Administration Building, 5820 Eastern Ave., according to the release. Search string may not be null or blank. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Before coming to Godfrey-Lee, Polston was a teacher and principal at Grand Haven Area Public Schools, according to his LinkedIn profile. It is with a sense of sadness but also deep gratitude that I retire from this wonderful profession.. May 7, 2021 Kentwood In a unanimous vote, the Kentwood Public Schools Board of Education has selected Kevin Polston to serve as its next superintendent. This will continue during the Superintendent search process. Administration . When I began my career in 1988, I was proud to be a Kentwood Public Schools teacher, he said. He also was a teacher, coach, principal, and assistant principal in the district. IMPORTANT: If you answer yes to any of the questions below, please contact your immediate supervisor for further direction. Kentwood Public Schools are the Heart of the Community. Rockford Superintendent. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23, a donation from AT&T and nonprofit Connected Nation. Candidate names will become public at the time an interview is scheduled. Interviews will be held in person, with appropriate social distancing, at the Kentwood Administration Building, 5820 Eastern Ave. I have confidence in his approach, which makes me confident in (his) decisions and the outcomes., Noting Polstons experience and background, the board said in a statement that the new superintendent will be no stranger to the global community that KPS serves., His experience as the son of a Palestinian immigrant and first-generation college student is a story that mirrors many Kentwood families, the statement continued. Field Trips, Mentors, and other Experiences, Kentwood Public Schools Educational Foundation. Grand Rapids area hit by wave of school superintendent retirements amid COVID-19, Bay City school bus driver shortage has stayed stagnant through pandemic, superintendent says, 173 infected in new coronavirus outbreaks at 41 schools, says Michigans April 19 school outbreak report. Kentwood Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff announced in November that he would retire at the end of the 2020-21 school year. KENTWOOD, MI - Kentwood Public Schools has selected Kevin Polston, superintendent of the neighboring school district Godfrey-Lee, to take over as its next leader. The school board unanimous voted to offer Kevin Polston the job. City of Wyoming meetings are live on Comcast Channel 26 or click here. 2. The Kentwood Public Schools Board of Education Aug. 9 approved two new hires to the central office team Executive Director of Elementary Education Jason Lawson and Executive Director of Student Services Veronica Lake. Kentwood Public Schools has a very bright future.. Polston has led Godfrey-Lee as its superintendent since 2017, and previously worked as a teacher, principal and curriculum specialist. Sign up now to receive the latest from WKTV! James is also serving as Trustee on the Board of Education for Kentwood Public Schools. In this MLive file photo, Julie Brill talks to her 2nd grade class after visiting with Gov. This community values both quality facilities and the hard work of our teachers and staff members.. 5820 Eastern Ave. Calendar Nutrition Menus ParentVUE/StudentVUE Staff Employment kentwoodbond.com kentwoodbondfwc.com Facebook News & Announcements Chromebook Agreement Staff/Students-Trouble Logging In? Superintendent; Service Catalog; Pupil Membership Services; School Board. Global schools focused on excellence:We succeed on an international stage because Kentwood has a global perspective with a commitment to excellence in all that we do. The window for school of choice applications opens April 10th and you can apply by going to school of choice under the student enrollment at the top of this page. Kenowa Hills Godwin Heights Social distancing guidelines will be followed and there will be limited options for in-person seating. He will interview at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Polston said he is humbled and honored to be chosen to serve as Kentwoods next leader. (Photo provided by Kevin Polston). Places nearby. Strong relationships: Our teachers and staff members build strong relationships with our students; these relationships are at the heart of a positive learning environment. Kevin Polston, currently superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools. Kentwood Public Schools are the heart of the community. Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff is retiring June 30 after eight years in the role. Thornapple Kellogg This is a school district where students were born in over 60 different countries and over 80 different languages are spoken! I believe that education has the power to transform lives and I am pleased to join a district with an enduring commitment to excellence and equity, Polston said in a prepared statement. Kentwood Public Schools Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff has announced that at the end of this school year he will retire after 33 years as a teacher, coach, principal and district administrator working with students all along. The candidates selected by the board for interviews include two Kentwood administrators and four school leaders from districts in Kalamazoo, Wyoming, Flint and Indiana, including two current superintendents. IF requested by the candidate, materials will be treated confidentially through the screening process. I am confident that Kentwood Public Schools will continue to excel, he said. Grand Valley State University. Sharing Stories of Student Success Your Dream is Our Dream is an initiative of Kent ISD and its member districts to showcase student success stories at every step of the education journey. Beth Heinen Bell is a reporter (covering Cedar Springs, Grandville, Lowell and Rockford), editor, copy editor and social media manager.
