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. Conduct prejudicial to the Kentwood Public School District In the event the Board determines to bring charges against the Superintendent, prior written notice of the charges shall be given to the Superintendent and the Superintendent, at his option, may request an open or closed hearing before the Board for the purpose of defending said charges. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. This link will go live at approximately 5:45 p.m. the day of the interviews. 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. In this MLive file photo, Julie Brill talks to her 2nd grade class after visiting with Gov. School News Network is community journalism at work, funded through the donations of our sponsors and member school districts and developed by Kent ISD. Superintendent's Office Superintendent's Office Superintendent's Welcome Greetings from Farmington Public Schools! IMPORTANT: If you answer yes to any of the questions below, please contact your immediate supervisor for further direction. 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. Polston has served as superintendent of Godfrey-Lee schools since 2017. 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. The "Old password"field is the current password that has expired In February, Polston was appointed by Gov. Must include 3 out of 4 of the following. In addition to accepting Zoerhoffs retirement announcement, the Board of Education will establish a superintendent search process. Kentwood Public School teachers and administrators today will be discussing the districts long range diversity strategic plan to meet the needs of its increasingly diverse student body. KENTWOOD, MI - Kentwood Public Schools has selected Kevin Polston, superintendent of the neighboring school district Godfrey-Lee, to take over as its next leader. 21: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 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. There is also an option for limited in-person seating and viewing opportunities at the Administration Building during the interviews. 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. Our families are an integral and valued part of the education of our students. summer break (F), Field Trips, Mentors, and other Experiences, Kentwood Public Schools Educational Foundation. Kent City Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff is retiring June 30 after eight years in the role. First Name:
5820 Eastern Ave. When I began my career in 1988, I was proud to be a Kentwood Public Schools teacher, he said. Browse reviews, directions, phone numbers and more info on Kentwood Public Schools. Godfrey-Lee Polstons base salary will increase to $211,500 in the second year of his contract. A preliminary salary range of $180,000 to $220,000 has been established. 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. Grandville 17: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. 13: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 5 pm, Apr. We are a child-centered environment We expect our students to work hard and excel. Many students at Godfrey-Lee, and across Michigan, struggle with remote learning challenges due to unreliable internet connect. Kentwood In a unanimous vote, the Kentwood Public Schools Board of Education has selected Kevin Polston to serve as its next superintendent.
Kentwood Two finalists will interview for superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools Wednesday, May 5. Grandville Kent ISD's New Strategic Plan Learn more about LEAD, Kent ISD's new strategic plan, and our updated Vision, Mission and Values. Average Kentwood Public Schools hourly pay ranges from approximately $11.41 per hour for Childcare Provider to $17.80 per hour for Site Coordinator. We provide the best-trained staff to educate our children in a safe and orderly environment. Internal network link ONLY This server does not have access outside of the KPS Network for security reasons. Rewarding every student's achievement in a nurturing environment is important to us. I don't live in Kentwood Public School's district but I want my student to attend. We know a strong connection between teachers and students is the first step in creating a safe and positive school environment. He will receive a longevity stipend of $12,860 for each year of the contract. If you are coming into school you can change it at your PC. Since the pandemic hit in March 2020, seven area districts had superintendents announce they are retiring, including Holland, Kentwood, Jenison, West Ottawa, Lowell, and the Kent and Ottawa ISDs. IF requested by the candidate, materials will be treated confidentially through the screening process. This community values both quality facilities and the hard work of our teachers and staff members.. Anyone who wants to attend the interviews in person is asked to RSVP by emailing interviews@kentwoodps.org. The board selected Polston after final interviews with him and the other finalist, Nkenge Bergan, director of student services for Kalamazoo Public Schools. View All. 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. Our Families are an integral and valued part of the Education of our Students. Thank you to the many parents and community members who have already reached out with warm words of support and affirmation. Search Timeline. 24: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. 7: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm. KENTWOOD, MI The Kentwood Board of Education will interview six candidates this month in the search for the districts next superintendent. The school board unanimous voted to offer Kevin Polston the job. 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 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. Follow us on Facebook; Follow us on Twitter/span> . Byron Center 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. Byron Center This is true for students, staff, and especially for leaders. Search string may not be null or blank. Strong relationships: Our teachers and staff members build strong relationships with our students; these relationships are at the heart of a positive learning environment. Business profile of Kentwood Public Schools, located at 5820 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508. Kentwood Public Schools; Lowell Area Schools; Northview Public Schools; Rockford Public Schools; . Both will report directly to new Superintendent Kevin Polston, according to an announcement from the district. Show Like Word Matches. Six candidates will interview for the open role of Kentwood Public Schools superintendent. I am confident that Kentwood Public Schools will continue to excel, he said. Go tohttps://www.kentwoodps.org/ourdistrict/boardofeducation/and click on the link at that time to watch the board meeting and interviews. I look forward to continuing the strong partnership between our community and Kentwood Public Schools.. Polston also successfully applied Godfrey-Lee for a donation from AT&T and nonprofit Connected Nation to provide at-risk students with free mobile hotspots and internet connectivity to help with remote learning. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 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. The Facts 94% Kentwood International Virtual Academy (KIVA). Interviews will be held in person, with appropriate social distancing, at the Kentwood Administration Building, 5820 Eastern Ave. Kentwood Public Schools are the heart of the community. Parents allow us to work with their most precious gift - and we are thankful for their confidence and support. Field Trips, Mentors, and other Experiences, Kentwood Public Schools Educational Foundation. This is a school district where students were born in over 60 different countries and over 80 different languages are spoken! 21: Wyoming Planning Commission, 7 pm, Mar. Kentwood Places nearby. Welcome to Kentwood Public Schools Kentwood Public Schools are the heart of the community. We know our children will make the world a better place! She has worked as a journalist in the Grand Rapids area since 2000. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23, a donation from AT&T and nonprofit Connected Nation. For the 2023 school year, there are 16 public schools serving 9,085 students in Kentwood Public Schools School District. Sign up now to receive the latest from WKTV! It can be hard to filter out all the admissions jargon when trying to pick a college. Changes have been made to simplify password management and increase security. Kenowa Hills 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. Polston, who has been. Grand Rapids Community College 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Check out the calendar, talk with peers, give us a "like" or a follow on Facebook and more. 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. Positive relationships provide the strength to meet high expectations and tackle what feels like the impossible. Kevin Polston, currently superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools. 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. Benefits Information Frontline Login Google Apps Synergy SIS COVID-19 Self Diagnosis Budget and Salary/Compensation Transparency Reporting, Tips for Parents and Staff When Dealing with Trauma. Network passwords will be synced with Gmail, Synergy, and eFinance accounts. The district website (kentwoodps.org) will have viewing instructions and more information. 3: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, April 3: Kentwood City Commission Budget Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. All rights reserved (About Us). 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. 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. 3: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, April 3: Kentwood City Commission Budget Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. East Grand Rapids 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. Your Email:
Action. Listening and being responsive to our Kentwood community, both internal and external, has always been important, Madden said. 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. 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. Assistant Director of Executive Search Services, Michigan Association of School Boards, at 517.327.5928 or jbennett@masb.org. 6: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, Mar. Polston, who is currently the superintendent for Godfrey-Lee Public Schools in Wyoming, has been an educator for almost two decades. City of Kentwood meetings are available by clickinghere. Your Active Directory password may haveexpired and/or needs to be changed. 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). Public School Kentwood Public Schools | Kentwood MI As an educator, I have always believed that positive relationships, active listening, empathy and a growth mindset lead to long term success. In addition to the salary, the school board will also contribute $20,450 annually to a tax-deferred annuity for Polston. Thornapple Kellogg He is a systems thinker and a systems designer. 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. City of Wyoming meetings are live on Comcast Channel 26 or click here. 3. Kentwood Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff. 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). Godwin Heights If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The safety of our employees and community members remains the primary concern for Kentwood Public Schools. 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.). Nkenge Bergan, director of student services for Kalamazoo Public Schools. Grand Rapids The Board of Education is working to establish a superintendent search process, said Board President Mimi Madden in a press release. Our community understands the link between quality schools and safe and stable neighborhoods, Zoerhoff said. Northview There will also be an option for limited in-person seating and viewing opportunities at the administration building during the interviews. Kentwood is the third largest district in Kent and Ottawa counties with more than 9,000 students. Six candidates were interviewed April 28 and 29. Comstock Park First Name:
City of Wyoming meetings are live on Comcast Channel 26 or click here. Grand Rapids Your Email:
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. Kenowa Hills In the coming weeks, our district and building leaders will share specific information about our upcoming back-to-school activities. 27: Wyoming Millage Informational Meeting, Gezon Fire Station, 7 p.m. Apr. 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. SE. Our Families are an integral and valued part of the Education of our Students. 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. 10: Wyoming City Council Work Session, 5:30 pm, Apr. The Kentwood Board of Education has approved a $204,500 starting salary for incoming superintendent Kevin Polston. Polston has led Godfrey-Lee as its superintendent since 2017, and previously worked as a teacher, principal and curriculum specialist. He also was a teacher, coach, principal, and assistant principal in the district. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. What do I do? Our promise to our parents is to keep them excited about their students' academic accomplishments and awards. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Caledonia As an educator, I have always believed that positive relationships, active listening, empathy and a growth mindset lead to long term success. The first-round interviews will take place April 28-29. The district announced Wednesday that Zoerhoff would leave June 30, 2021, at the end of . Calendar Nutrition Menus ParentVUE/StudentVUE Staff Employment kentwoodbond.com kentwoodbondfwc.com Facebook News & Announcements Chromebook Agreement Staff/Students-Trouble Logging In? Join to connect Kentwood Public Schools. Before coming to Godfrey-Lee, Polston was a teacher and principal at Grand Haven Area Public Schools, according to his LinkedIn profile. 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. He will interview at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD) Kentwood Public Schools Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff is preparing to retire. 27: Wyoming Millage Informational Meeting, Wyoming Police Station, 7 pm. Zoerhoff, however, credited district success to students, staff and parents working together for excellence, especially in community support to pass bonds and millages, which improved the facilities and increased safety. Community members, staff and students are encouraged to watch the interviews online as they take place. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The school board also cited Polstons background as the son of a Palestinian immigrant and a first generation college student as a story that mirrors many Kentwood families. 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. Our goal is for each student to master and apply the essential skills to be a successful, productive citizen. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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. In the coming month, we will establish a direction that maintains this tradition and identifies our next steps.. Polston said he is eager to start building relationships within the Kentwood community. "Listening and being responsive to our Kentwood community, both internal and external, has always . Kentwood From home, please follow these instructions: Go to https://sso.kentwoodps.org/adfs/portal/updatepassword. Grand Rapids Community College 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. It is my honor to write to you as the new Superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools! We are focused on ensuring that every student has an opportunity to develop academically and socially in a positive educational environment. Erin Albanese is associate managing editor and reporter, covering Byron Center, Kentwood, Wyoming and Grand Rapids Community College. Social distancing guidelines will be followed and there will be limited options for in-person seating. Gretchen Whitmer at Meadowlawn Elementary in Kentwood Public Schools on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019. The athletic achievements, music, art, and theater experiences further develop our students into well-rounded individuals. 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. Caledonia It has been an honor and privilege to serve this community over the past thirty three years, Superintendent Zoerhoff said in supplied material. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Kentwood is the third largest district in Kent and Ottawa counties with 9,242 students enrolled this school year. 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! (Cory Morse | MLive.com)Cory Morse | MLive.com. Norris ken@wktv.org Please do not enter the building. Here are a few quick links to make sure you have what you need to support our students. A Calvin University graduate, she later returned to Calvin to help manage its national writing festival. Kentwood Public Schools, together with parents and the community will educate all students in a safe, secure environment. 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. According to the announcement, interviews will be held in person, with appropriate social distancing, at the Kentwood Administration Building, 5820 Eastern Ave., in Kentwood. Links to organizations and articles to aid in dealing with trauma. Polston said he is humbled and honored to be chosen to serve as Kentwoods next leader. Public Schools in Kentwood Public Schools School District have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the . 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. 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.). He will earn a starting salary of $204,500 when he takes the reins on July 1. GPS Latitude: 42.858551. 6: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, Mar. KIVA is an online schooling option designed to meet the needs of students looking for flexible schedules and access to professional educators while performing the majority of their work at home. You can apply for school of choice to have your student attend with us in the fall. Superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools Job Type: Superintendent: Member Organization: Kentwood Public Schools - Kent: Consultant: Jay Bennett: Status: Complete: . GPS Longitude:-85.643473. 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. Staff - Kentwood Public Schools Staff Staff Quick Links We are proud to have you as part of the Kentwood Public Schools family! You will now have one password for multiple accounts. Norris ken@wktv.org 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. 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. 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. 17: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. Kentwood Public Schools has a very bright future.. 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. The "Confirm new password" field is the same password that was entered into the New password field 318 followers 314 connections. 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. 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. 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. He had previously been the districts assistant superintendent for human resources. We are committed to excellence, equity, and diversity in education. Instead of 11111, use your employee ID#. On behalf of our entire staff and the Board of Education, I would like to welcome you to our school community. 2. 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. Private Junior High School. No hard copy, fax or emailed copies accepted. The Jenison Board of Education unanimously selected Graham as the next. Mar.
School leaders describe the district as a global community school with over 90 languages spoken, representing multiple cultures, races, ethnicities, and religions. 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. Positive relationships and high expectations:Positive relationships provide the support needed to overcome difficult life circumstances. With a strong leadership team, we are expecting the transition to be seamless.. Kentwood Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff announced in November that he would retire at the end of the 2020-21 school year. Date. Beth Heinen Bell is a reporter (covering Cedar Springs, Grandville, Lowell and Rockford), editor, copy editor and social media manager. Beth has also written for The Grand Rapids Press, Fox 17 and several West Michigan businesses and nonprofits. The unanimous vote to offer the position to Superintendent Polston will continue the tradition of leadership excellence that our community has come to expect.. 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.