Both will report directly to new Superintendent Kevin Polston, according to an announcement from the district. Last Name: Mar. The Board of Education is working to establish a superintendent search process, said Board President Mimi Madden in a press release. Copyright 2023 WKTV, All rights reserved. KENTWOOD, MI The Kentwood Board of Education will interview six candidates this month in the search for the districts next superintendent. The Facts 94% Polston has served as superintendent of Godfrey-Lee schools since 2017.. 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. Scheduled to be interviewed on Wednesday, April 28, are Tracy Reed, chief academic officer at Fort Wayne (Indiana) Community Schools (at 6 p.m.); Marcus Davenport, Ph.D., superintendent of Beecher Community Schools (7 p.m.), and Kevin Polston, Ed.S., superintendent, Godfrey-Lee Public Schools (8 p.m.). Polston earned his bachelors degree in secondary education and teaching from Michigan State University and his masters in educational leadership and administration from Grand Valley State University, according to his LinkedIn profile. Zoerhoff was named superintendent in 2013 and has worked in the district for 33 years. Kentwood is the third largest district in Kent and Ottawa counties with 9,242 students enrolled this school year. I am confident that Kentwood Public Schools will continue to excel, he said. Report . It is my honor to write to you as the new Superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools! 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,' she said. 21: Wyoming Planning Commission, 7 pm, Mar. Changes have been made to simplify password management and increase security. Grit:Our students have the inner strength and intellectual capability to meet and rise above lifes challenges. Get the latest updates for emergency drills at your child's building. I look forward to continuing the strong partnership between our community and Kentwood Public Schools.. He will interview at 6 p.m. Wednesday. No hard copy, fax or emailed copies accepted. She will interview at 7:15 p.m. 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). The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Beth has also written for The Grand Rapids Press, Fox 17 and several West Michigan businesses and nonprofits. Interested candidates should complete and submit an online application found at https://masb.myrevelus.com/. Public Schools in Kentwood Public Schools School District have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the . Rewarding every student's achievement in a nurturing environment is important to us. 27: Wyoming Millage Informational Meeting, Gezon Fire Station, 7 p.m. Apr. Caledonia    Browse reviews, directions, phone numbers and more info on Kentwood Public Schools. Search Form Quick Search: Search. 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 jbennett@masb.org. His salary will reopen to be determined by mutual agreement with the board in his third year. I am proud to be a Kentwood educator and I am proud to work with such a talented and dedicated staff., In an uncertain time, Mr. Zoerhoff has brought stable leadership to our community and our school system, Mimi Madden, president of the Kentwood Public Schools Board of Education, said in supplied material. Kentwood Public Schools - Strong Schools Strong Communities - Community - Kent ISD skip to Contentskip to Navigation Search FormQuick Search:Search Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter/span> Follow us on Instagram/span> Educators Career & College Readiness Continuous Improvement Educational Technology English Learners Equity & Student Success This diverse environment uniquely prepares our students to be globally competitive in their chosen lifes pursuits after graduation. Comstock Park    Field Trips, Mentors, and other Experiences, Kentwood Public Schools Educational Foundation, https://sso.kentwoodps.org/adfs/portal/updatepassword, At least 8 characters in length CANNOT repeat same character more than twice in a row, CANNOT use your previous password as your new password. View All. 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. Average Kentwood Public Schools hourly pay ranges from approximately $11.41 per hour for Childcare Provider to $17.80 per hour for Site Coordinator. Norris ken@wktv.org The Kent ISD School Board recently announced the appointment of Sylvia James to fill the opening on the board created when Bill Joseph retired. Education in Kentwood is about capturing the excitement of children to learn and to inspire them to believe in the value of ALL human beings. This link will go live at approximately 5:45 p.m. the day of the interviews. Kevin Polston, currently superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools. Mr. Retired Superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools Caledonia, Michigan, United States. She is an award-winning journalist who got her start as the education reporter for the Grand Haven Tribune. Kentwood Public Schools, together with parents and the community will educate all students in a safe, secure environment. 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Kelloggsville    Listening and being responsive to our Kentwood community, both internal and external, has always been important, Madden said. (Supplied/Kentwood Pubic Schools) By K.D. Parents allow us to work with their most precious gift - and we are thankful for their confidence and support. Kentwood In a unanimous vote, the Kentwood Public Schools Board of Education has selected Kevin Polston to serve as its next superintendent. We are a "no-excuse" district. 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. K . 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. Polstons work in West Michigan reflects his passion for the power of education and the importance of strong partnerships between school systems and the communities they serve.. 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. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23, a donation from AT&T and nonprofit Connected Nation. Places nearby. East Grand Rapids    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. Updated: 6:08 PM EDT May 25, 2022. Grand Rapids    Kentwood Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff. 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. This is a school district where students were born in over 60 different countries and over 80 different languages are spoken! Grand Rapids Community College    Erin Albanese is associate managing editor and reporter, covering Byron Center, Kentwood, Wyoming and Grand Rapids Community College. She has worked as a journalist in the Grand Rapids area since 2000. A preliminary salary range of $180,000 to $220,000 has been established. Administration First Name: Staff - Kentwood Public Schools Staff Staff Quick Links We are proud to have you as part of the Kentwood Public Schools family! The "Confirm new password" field is the same password that was entered into the New password field 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. Benefits Information Frontline Login Google Apps Synergy SIS COVID-19 Self Diagnosis Godfrey-Lee    10: Wyoming City Council Work Session, 5:30 pm, Apr. IMPORTANT: If you answer yes to any of the questions below, please contact your immediate supervisor for further direction. Our goal is for each student to master and apply the essential skills to be a successful, productive citizen. Polston, who is currently the superintendent for Godfrey-Lee Public Schools in Wyoming, has been an educator for almost two decades. Kentwood Public Schools are the Heart of the Community. 27: Wyoming Millage Informational Meeting, Wyoming Police Station, 7 pm. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. In addition to accepting Zoerhoffs retirement announcement, the Board of Education will establish a superintendent search process. When I began my career in 1988, I was proud to be a Kentwood Public Schools teacher, he said. 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 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. He will receive a longevity stipend of $12,860 for each year of the contract. We are proud to have you as part of the Kentwood Public Schools family! East Grand Rapids    School News Network is community journalism at work, funded through the donations of our sponsors and member school districts and developed by Kent ISD. There will also be an option for limited in-person seating and viewing opportunities at the administration building during the interviews. Byron Center   From home, please follow these instructions: Go to https://sso.kentwoodps.org/adfs/portal/updatepassword. School leaders noted that Polstons commitment to West Michigans public schools reflects his passion for education and the importance of community partnerships. City of Kentwood meetings are available by clickinghere. 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. Polstons base salary will increase to $211,500 in the second year of his contract. The Kentwood Board of Education has approved a $204,500 starting salary for incoming superintendent Kevin Polston. In February, Polston was appointed by Gov. Positive relationships provide the strength to meet high expectations and tackle what feels like the impossible. Kelloggsville    Your Email: 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.. Beth Heinen Bell is a reporter (covering Cedar Springs, Grandville, Lowell and Rockford), editor, copy editor and social media manager. 17: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. To help students succeed with online learning, Polston championed a partnership between Godfrey-Lee Public Schools and Michigan States College of Education to provide elementary teachers with resources and strategies on how to effectively lead a virtual classroom amid the coronavirus pandemic. Check out the calendar, talk with peers, give us a "like" or a follow on Facebook and more. 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. 5820 Eastern Ave. Sparta    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. 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. 13: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 5 pm, Apr. Six candidates will interview for the open role of Kentwood Public Schools superintendent. Excellence and equity: Kentwood Public Schools is a global district with a commitment to excellence and equity in all that we do. Gretchen Whitmer at Meadowlawn Elementary in Kentwood Public Schools on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019. Kentwood Two finalists will interview for superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools Wednesday, May 5. We know our children will make the world a better place! 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. Kentwood Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff announced in November that he would retire at the end of the 2020-21 school year. He will earn a starting salary of $204,500 when he takes the reins on July 1. We are a thriving global community, a vibrant example of different perspectives and traditions growing and excelling together. (Photo provided by Kevin Polston). The Board will offer a comprehensive, multi-year contract. 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.). 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. The Jenison Board of Education unanimously selected Graham as the next. Zoerhoff said when he announced his retirement that its been an honor and a privilege to serve Kentwood Public Schools for three decades. Thank you to the many parents and community members who have already reached out with warm words of support and affirmation. Kentwood Public Schools; Lowell Area Schools; Northview Public Schools; Rockford Public Schools; . In the coming weeks, our district and building leaders will share specific information about our upcoming back-to-school activities. The superintendent led Godfrey-Lee Public Schools through a tumultuous school year amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Central to this effort is our commitment to help students develop a growth mindset that reflects high expectations. Completed online applications must be submitted no later than 4:00 pm on April 6, 2021. 24: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. 7: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm. GPS Latitude: 42.858551. 113 were here. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Thornapple Kellogg    KENTWOOD, MI - Kentwood Public Schools has selected Kevin Polston, superintendent of the neighboring school district Godfrey-Lee, to take over as its next leader. Sign up now to receive the latest from WKTV! This is true for students, staff, and especially for leaders. Kent ISD    The board selected Polston after final interviews with him and the other finalist, Nkenge Bergan, director of student services for Kalamazoo Public Schools. Lowell    It can be hard to filter out all the admissions jargon when trying to pick a college. 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. The safety of our employees and community members remains the primary concern for Kentwood Public Schools. She is fascinated by the nuances of language, loves to travel and has strong feelings about the Oxford comma. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. We know a strong connection between teachers and students is the first step in creating a safe and positive school environment. On May 6, the Kentwood Board of Education selected Polston from a pool of six finalist candidates who interviewed to be the new superintendent. Compensation will be commensurate with experience of the successful candidate and requirements of the position. Godwin Heights    Superintendent. Wyoming, Kent ISD | 2930 Knapp NE | Grand Rapids MI 49525. Thornapple Kellogg    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. Before coming to Godfrey-Lee, Polston was a teacher and principal at Grand Haven Area Public Schools, according to his LinkedIn profile. Norris ken@wktv.org IF requested by the candidate, materials will be treated confidentially through the screening process. 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. A graduate of Central Michigan University, she has written for The Grand Rapids Press, Advance Newspapers, On-the-Town Magazine and Group Tour Media. Calendar Nutrition Menus ParentVUE/StudentVUE Staff Employment kentwoodbond.com kentwoodbondfwc.com Facebook News & Announcements Chromebook Agreement Staff/Students-Trouble Logging In? Kentwood Public Schools is the most diverse district in the state, which is part of what makes it so special, . In addition, and most importantly, our students' positive self concepts and winning attitudes will make you glad to call Kentwood your home! Superintendent; Service Catalog; Pupil Membership Services; School Board. "Veronica . Thirty-three percent of Kentwood students are Black, 28% are white, 15% Hispanic/Latino, 15% Asian and 7% identify as being of two or more races, according to state data. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Even at the end of my career, that pride of teaching still remains. We are focused on ensuring that every student has an opportunity to develop academically and socially in a positive educational environment. Polston has led Godfrey-Lee as its superintendent since 2017, and previously worked as a teacher, principal and curriculum specialist. Go tohttps://www.kentwoodps.org/ourdistrict/boardofeducation/and click on the link at that time to watch the board meeting and interviews. Polston said he is eager to start building relationships within the Kentwood community.