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. Kentwood Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff announced in November that he would retire at the end of the 2020-21 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. Anyone who wants to attend the interviews in person is asked to RSVP by emailing interviews@kentwoodps.org. There will also be an option for limited in-person seating and viewing opportunities at the administration building during the interviews. 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.. 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. Benefits Information Frontline Login Google Apps Synergy SIS COVID-19 Self Diagnosis Cedar Springs    Rewarding every student's achievement in a nurturing environment is important to us. 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. Candidate names will become public at the time an interview is scheduled. 27: Wyoming Millage Informational Meeting, Gezon Fire Station, 7 p.m. Apr. Kentwood Public Schools are the heart of the community. Kent City    The average Kentwood Public Schools daily wage ranges from approximately $89.83 per day for Academic Interventionist to $92.20 per day for Teacher. 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. Get the latest updates for emergency drills at your child's building. We are a child-centered environment We expect our students to work hard and excel. Kentwood Public Schools Educational Foundation Booster Programs Volunteers Aquatics Center KPS Community Resources McKinney-Vento search District Home search Search Search Website Search Options Show Exact Word Matches Only. The "Confirm new password" field is the same password that was entered into the New password field Retired Superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools Caledonia, Michigan, United States. Caledonia    Gretchen Whitmer at Meadowlawn Elementary in Kentwood Public Schools on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019. 27: Wyoming Millage Informational Meeting, Gezon Fire Station, 7 p.m. Apr. Comstock Park    We are a thriving global community, a vibrant example of different perspectives and traditions growing and excelling together. The. 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. 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. Must include 3 out of 4 of the following. In February, Polston was appointed by Gov. Last Name: Mar. Field Trips, Mentors, and other Experiences, Kentwood Public Schools Educational Foundation. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Interested candidates should complete and submit an online application found at https://masb.myrevelus.com/. 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. It is with a sense of sadness but also deep gratitude that I retire from this wonderful profession.. 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. School News Network is community journalism at work, funded through the donations of our sponsors and member school districts and developed by Kent ISD. 6: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, Mar. Superintendent. Superintendent's Office Superintendent's Office Superintendent's Welcome Greetings from Farmington Public Schools! Zoerhoff said when he announced his retirement that its been an honor and a privilege to serve Kentwood Public Schools for three decades. We will continue to consistently emphasize: 1. Northview    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). Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Polston has led Godfrey-Lee as its superintendent since 2017, and previously worked as a teacher, principal and curriculum specialist. What do I do? The interviews will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person. First Name: 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. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23, a donation from AT&T and nonprofit Connected Nation. It is a point of pride that our Kentwood alumni continually demonstrate success as they make an impact in our community and around the world. 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. GPS Latitude: 42.858551. Our candidate pool was exceptionally strong and our internal leadership team is outstanding, said board president Mimi Madden. As a district, in partnership with our community, we will continue to provide an education of excellence to every Kentwood student. 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 is the third largest district in Kent and Ottawa counties with more than 9,000 students. I am confident that Kentwood Public Schools will continue to excel, he said. Positive relationships provide the strength to meet high expectations and tackle what feels like the impossible. Browse reviews, directions, phone numbers and more info on Kentwood Public Schools. Both will report directly to new Superintendent Kevin Polston, according to an announcement from the district. Grand Rapids    This will continue during the Superintendent search process. In the coming month, we will establish a direction that maintains this tradition and identifies our next steps.. We know our children will make the world a better place! Polston, who has been. Places nearby. Kentwood Public Schools, together with parents and the community will educate all students in a safe, secure environment. With a strong leadership team, we are expecting the transition to be seamless.. 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 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. In addition to the salary, the school board will also contribute $20,450 annually to a tax-deferred annuity for Polston. Sparta    Thornapple Kellogg    Central to this effort is our commitment to help students develop a growth mindset that reflects high expectations. "Veronica . 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. Beth Heinen Bell is a reporter (covering Cedar Springs, Grandville, Lowell and Rockford), editor, copy editor and social media manager. (Supplied/Kentwood Pubic Schools) By K.D. Mimi Madden, president of the school board, said during a November school board meeting that Zoerhoff brought stable leadership to their community and school system during the uncertain times of the coronavirus pandemic. This follows last week's . 10: Wyoming City Council Work Session, 5:30 pm, Apr. Here are a few quick links to make sure you have what you need to support our students. He had previously been the districts assistant superintendent for human resources. The six candidates were selected out of 31 people who applied for the position, the Michigan Association of School Boards announced in a news release Tuesday, April 20. It is my honor to write to you as the new Superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools! Godwin Heights    We are committed to excellence, equity, and diversity in education. We know a strong connection between teachers and students is the first step in creating a safe and positive school environment. She is fascinated by the nuances of language, loves to travel and has strong feelings about the Oxford comma. Zoerhoff, who announced in November he was retiring June 30, was named Kentwoods superintendent in 2013. Staff - Kentwood Public Schools Staff Staff Quick Links We are proud to have you as part of the Kentwood Public Schools family! Grandville    Kentwood International Virtual Academy (KIVA). Rockford    IF requested by the candidate, materials will be treated confidentially through the screening process. 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. Kentwood Public Schools has a very bright future.. 10: Wyoming City Council Work Session, 5:30 pm, Apr. This community values both quality facilities and the hard work of our teachers and staff members.. 21: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Kent City    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. If you are coming into school you can change it at your PC. IMPORTANT: If you answer yes to any of the questions below, please contact your immediate supervisor for further direction. 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. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. Please do not enter the building. A preliminary salary range of $180,000 to $220,000 has been established. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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. Search string may not be null or blank. 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. This is a school district where students were born in over 60 different countries and over 80 different languages are spoken! Polston, who is currently the superintendent for Godfrey-Lee Public Schools in Wyoming, has been an educator for almost two decades. The "Old password"field is the current password that has expired 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. In the coming weeks, our district and building leaders will share specific information about our upcoming back-to-school activities. The Capturing Kids Hearts program that guides staff members and teachers in their work with our students will continue in the year ahead. Our promise to our parents is to keep them excited about their students' academic accomplishments and awards. East Grand Rapids    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. Kentwood Public Schools is the most diverse district in the state, which is part of what makes it so special, . On May 6, the Kentwood Board of Education selected Polston from a pool of six finalist candidates who interviewed to be the new superintendent. He will earn a starting salary of $204,500 when he takes the reins on July 1. 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. We provide the best-trained staff to educate our children in a safe and orderly environment. Report . Kentwood Public Schools are the Heart of the Community. Grand Rapids Community College    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. Our Families are an integral and valued part of the Education of our Students. 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. The first-round interviews will take place April 28-29. No hard copy, fax or emailed copies accepted. Godfrey-Lee    All rights reserved (About Us). Forest Hills    Comstock Park    Kentwood Two finalists will interview for superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools Wednesday, May 5. It can be hard to filter out all the admissions jargon when trying to pick a college. City of Kentwood meetings are available by clickinghere. He also served in 2019 as chair of the Kent Intermediate Superintendents Association Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. While there have been some leadership changes at Kentwood Public Schools, some things will not change. "Listening and being responsive to our Kentwood community, both internal and external, has always . 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. She has worked as a journalist in the Grand Rapids area since 2000. 27: Wyoming Millage Informational Meeting, Wyoming Police Station, 7 pm. Kent ISD    Last Name: Mar. Listening and being responsive to our Kentwood community, both internal and external, has always been important, Madden said. First Name: Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Grand Rapids    Follow us on Facebook; Follow us on Twitter/span> . KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD) Kentwood Public Schools Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff is preparing to retire. Date. Many students at Godfrey-Lee, and across Michigan, struggle with remote learning challenges due to unreliable internet connect. Budget and Salary/Compensation Transparency Reporting, Tips for Parents and Staff When Dealing with Trauma. Godfrey-Lee    K . Your Email: Kentwood Public Schools 5820 Eastern Ave Se, Grand Rapids, MI 49508 | (616) 455-4400 | Website QUICK STATS Student-Teacher Ratio 18:1 Number of Schools 16 Number of Students 9,228 Overview. 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. 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. Private Junior High School. It has been an honor and privilege to serve this community over the past thirty three years, Superintendent Zoerhoff said in supplied material. Our families are an integral and valued part of the education of our students. 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. Mar. 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. Copyright 2023 WKTV, All rights reserved. The field with [emailprotected] can be in the following formats. Kentwood In a unanimous vote, the Kentwood Public Schools Board of Education has selected Kevin Polston to serve as its next superintendent. Mar. 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. On behalf of our entire staff and the Board of Education, I would like to welcome you to our school community. 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.). Mar. Godwin Heights    School News Network is community journalism at work, funded through the donations of our sponsors and member school districts and developed by Kent ISD. Links to organizations and articles to aid in dealing with trauma. Instead of 11111, use your employee ID#. Even at the end of my career, that pride of teaching still remains. 7: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm. (Photo provided by Kevin Polston). Mar. Graham, who has worked at Jenison for 22 years, will replace retiring superintendent Tom TenBrink on July 1, 2021. This link will go live at approximately 5:45 p.m. the day of the interviews. 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. 0 miles away. Grandville    Our Families are an integral and valued part of the Education of our Students. 3: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, April 3: Kentwood City Commission Budget Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. He will receive a longevity stipend of $12,860 for each year of the contract. Kentwood    A Calvin University graduate, she later returned to Calvin to help manage its national writing festival. (Supplied/Kentwood Pubic Schools) By K.D. 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. There is also an option for limited in-person seating and viewing opportunities at the Administration Building during the interviews. 3. Last year he served as a member of Gov. . Forest Hills    Polstons base salary will increase to $211,500 in the second year of his contract. 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.. 21: Wyoming Planning Commission, 7 pm, Mar. Nkenge Bergan, director of student services for Kalamazoo Public Schools. Business profile of Kentwood Public Schools, located at 5820 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508. She was one of the original SNN staff writers, helping launch the site in 2013 and enjoys fulfilling the mission of sharing the stories of public education. Kent ISD's New Strategic Plan Learn more about LEAD, Kent ISD's new strategic plan, and our updated Vision, Mission and Values. Here are a few quick links to make sure you have what you need to support our students. KENTWOOD, MI - The Kentwood Board of Education will interview six candidates this month in the search for the district's next superintendent. Polston brings experienced and proven leadership to Kentwood Public Schools. Completed online applications must be submitted no later than 4:00 pm on April 6, 2021. Your Email: Interviews will be held in person, with appropriate social distancing, at the Kentwood Administration Building, 5820 Eastern Ave. The "New password" field is the new password that you would like to set Polston said he is humbled and honored to be chosen to serve as Kentwoods next leader. GPS Longitude:-85.643473. 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. The safety of our employees and community members remains the primary concern for Kentwood Public Schools. Grand Rapids Community College    I don't live in Kentwood Public School's district but I want my student to attend. 5820 Eastern Ave. "Capturing Kids' Hearts" will assist staff in creating positive and meaningful relationships within the school community. 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 Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff. Kentwood Public Schools is proud to announce the inaugural year of Kentwood International Virtual Academy (KIVA). Gretchen Whitmers Return to Learn Advisory Council, and in February was appointed chairperson of the governors statewide Student Recovery Advisory Council. 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. This district's average testing ranking is 7/10, which is in the top 50% of public schools in Michigan. 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.. 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. Grand Valley State University. Action. Assistant Director of Executive Search Services, Michigan Association of School Boards, at 517.327.5928 or jbennett@masb.org. Lowell    We are proud to have you as part of the Kentwood Public Schools family! We are a "no-excuse" district. KENTWOOD, Mich. Kentwood Public Schools (KPS) will be tightening security at Thursday's East Kentwood High School graduation. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Polston has served as superintendent of Godfrey-Lee schools since 2017. KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD) Kentwood Public Schools has selected its next superintendent. Byron Center   Kentwood    James is also serving as Trustee on the Board of Education for Kentwood Public Schools. 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 Calendar Nutrition Menus ParentVUE/StudentVUE Staff Employment kentwoodbond.com kentwoodbondfwc.com Facebook News & Announcements Chromebook Agreement Staff/Students-Trouble Logging In? Six candidates will interview for the open role of Kentwood Public Schools superintendent. 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. Wyoming, Kent ISD | 2930 Knapp NE | Grand Rapids MI 49525. You can apply for school of choice to have your student attend with us in the fall. Mr. Kentwood Public Schools are the Heart of the Community. 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 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. He also was a teacher, coach, principal, and assistant principal in the district. Kelloggsville    This diverse environment uniquely prepares our students to be globally competitive in their chosen lifes pursuits after graduation. 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. 2. She will interview at 7:15 p.m. 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.