Grand Rapids    Zoerhoff is one of several school leaders in Kent and Ottawa counties that announced retirement amid the coronavirus pandemic. We are a child-centered environment We expect our students to work hard and excel. Godwin Heights    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. Kentwood Public Schools are the Heart of the Community. The contract stipulates Polston will get 25 vacation days as well as four personal days, three floating holidays, nine calendar holidays and 15 sick days. Grand Rapids Community College    He also was a teacher, coach, principal, and assistant principal in the district. In addition, and most importantly, our students' positive self concepts and winning attitudes will make you glad to call Kentwood your home! Follow us on Facebook; Follow us on Twitter/span> . 24: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. Kent ISD    Sign up now to receive the latest from WKTV! Last year he served as a member of Gov. 21: Wyoming Planning Commission, 7 pm, Mar. 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. Thornapple Kellogg    0 miles away. 6: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, Mar. 6: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, Mar. 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. (Supplied/Kentwood Pubic Schools) By K.D. This is a school district where students were born in over 60 different countries and over 80 different languages are spoken! The "New password" field is the new password that you would like to set 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.. Last Name: Mar. The first-round interviews will take place April 28-29. In the coming weeks, our district and building leaders will share specific information about our upcoming back-to-school activities. 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. Kentwood International Virtual Academy (KIVA). It has been an honor and privilege to serve this community over the past thirty three years, Superintendent Zoerhoff said in supplied material. Forest Hills    Mar. The Facts 94% Excellence and equity: Kentwood Public Schools is a global district with a commitment to excellence and equity in all that we do. 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. 21: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm. A Calvin University graduate, she later returned to Calvin to help manage its national writing festival. Kentwood Public Schools has a very bright future.. Check out the calendar, talk with peers, give us a "like" or a follow on Facebook and more. We provide the best-trained staff to educate our children in a safe and orderly environment. 10: Wyoming City Council Work Session, 5:30 pm, Apr. Wyoming, Kent ISD | 2930 Knapp NE | Grand Rapids MI 49525. The interviews will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person. 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. The board selected Polston after final interviews with him and the other finalist, Nkenge Bergan, director of student services for Kalamazoo Public Schools. It is with a sense of sadness but also deep gratitude that I retire from this wonderful profession.. James is also serving as Trustee on the Board of Education for Kentwood Public Schools. We are focused on ensuring that every student has an opportunity to develop academically and socially in a positive educational environment. 17: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. Public Schools in Kentwood Public Schools School District have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the . No hard copy, fax or emailed copies accepted. Six candidates were interviewed April 28 and 29. Even at the end of my career, that pride of teaching still remains. 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. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Zoerhoff said when he announced his retirement that its been an honor and a privilege to serve Kentwood Public Schools for three decades. The safety of our employees and community members remains the primary concern for Kentwood Public Schools. Six candidates will interview for the open role of Kentwood Public Schools superintendent. 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. Kentwood Public Schools is the most diverse district in the state, which is part of what makes it so special, . Kentwood    Private Junior High School. Rockford    2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Kent City    Here are a few quick links to make sure you have what you need to support our students. Last Name: Mar. Mar. School leaders noted that Polstons commitment to West Michigans public schools reflects his passion for education and the importance of community partnerships. Caledonia    Kevin Polston, currently superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools. We know our children will make the world a better place! KENTWOOD, Mich. Kentwood Public Schools (KPS) will be tightening security at Thursday's East Kentwood High School graduation. Average Kentwood Public Schools hourly pay ranges from approximately $11.41 per hour for Childcare Provider to $17.80 per hour for Site Coordinator. Polstons base salary will increase to $211,500 in the second year of his contract. "Capturing Kids' Hearts" will assist staff in creating positive and meaningful relationships within the school community. Polston, who is currently the superintendent for Godfrey-Lee Public Schools in Wyoming, has been an educator for almost two decades. 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. Must include 3 out of 4 of the following. Updated: 6:08 PM EDT May 25, 2022. There will also be an option for limited in-person seating and viewing opportunities at the administration building during the interviews. The Board of Education is working to establish a superintendent search process, said Board President Mimi Madden in a press release. In February, Polston was appointed by Gov. Lowell    Network passwords will be synced with Gmail, Synergy, and eFinance accounts. 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. 21: Wyoming Planning Commission, 7 pm, Mar. School leaders describe the district as a global community school with over 90 languages spoken, representing multiple cultures, races, ethnicities, and religions. "Listening and being responsive to our Kentwood community, both internal and external, has always . 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. Kent City    The school board unanimous voted to offer Kevin Polston the job. Many students at Godfrey-Lee, and across Michigan, struggle with remote learning challenges due to unreliable internet connect. Kelloggsville    The Capturing Kids Hearts program that guides staff members and teachers in their work with our students will continue in the year ahead. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Polston said he is humbled and honored to be chosen to serve as Kentwoods next leader. 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. We are a "no-excuse" district. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Thornapple Kellogg    Retired Superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools Caledonia, Michigan, United States. It can be hard to filter out all the admissions jargon when trying to pick a college. Our Families are an integral and valued part of the Education of our Students. Copyright 2023 WKTV, All rights reserved. Your Email: Search string may not be null or blank. Administration Beth Heinen Bell is a reporter (covering Cedar Springs, Grandville, Lowell and Rockford), editor, copy editor and social media manager. 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. Strong relationships: Our teachers and staff members build strong relationships with our students; these relationships are at the heart of a positive learning environment. Rockford    City of Wyoming meetings are live on Comcast Channel 26 or click here. Date. Kentwood    Instead of 11111, use your employee ID#. KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD) Kentwood Public Schools Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff is preparing to retire. Kent ISD's New Strategic Plan Learn more about LEAD, Kent ISD's new strategic plan, and our updated Vision, Mission and Values. Both will report directly to new Superintendent Kevin Polston, according to an announcement from the district. East Grand Rapids    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. IF requested by the candidate, materials will be treated confidentially through the screening process. It is my honor to write to you as the new Superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools! Your Active Directory password may haveexpired and/or needs to be changed. 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. Internal network link ONLY This server does not have access outside of the KPS Network for security reasons. The Board of Education selected as finalists: Kevin Polston, currently superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools. Sparta    As an educator, I have always believed that positive relationships, active listening, empathy and a growth mindset lead to long term success. 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. 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. 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. The unanimous vote to offer the position to Superintendent Polston will continue the tradition of leadership excellence that our community has come to expect.. I am so excited to join our diverse global Kentwood 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.). He will receive a longevity stipend of $12,860 for each year of the contract. Rewarding every student's achievement in a nurturing environment is important to us. Positive relationships and high expectations:Positive relationships provide the support needed to overcome difficult life circumstances. In addition to accepting Zoerhoffs retirement announcement, the Board of Education will establish a superintendent search process. We provide the best-trained staff to educate our children in a safe and orderly environment. I believe (Polston) has a clear vision, and his goal to change the trajectory of kids lives resonates with me, said Pete Battey, board treasurer, during final discussion after second-round interviews Wednesday evening. A graduate of Central Michigan University, she has written for The Grand Rapids Press, Advance Newspapers, On-the-Town Magazine and Group Tour Media. From the Superintendent Superintendent's Message Dear Kentwood Community, It is my honor to write to you as the new Superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools! Kentwood Public Schools are the heart of the community. Mr. GPS Latitude: 42.858551. The Kent ISD School Board recently announced the appointment of Sylvia James to fill the opening on the board created when Bill Joseph retired. Kentwood Two finalists will interview for superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools Wednesday, May 5. Central to this effort is our commitment to help students develop a growth mindset that reflects high expectations. Beth has also written for The Grand Rapids Press, Fox 17 and several West Michigan businesses and nonprofits. 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. Get the latest updates for emergency drills at your child's building. 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 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. ,