Field Trips, Mentors, and other Experiences, Kentwood Public Schools Educational Foundation. Please do not enter the building. 13: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 5 pm, Apr. Candidate names will become public at the time an interview is scheduled. He had previously been the districts assistant superintendent for human resources. 24: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. Nkenge Bergan, director of student services for Kalamazoo Public Schools. 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. As an educator, I have always believed that positive relationships, active listening, empathy and a growth mindset lead to long term success. 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. Beth Heinen Bell is a reporter (covering Cedar Springs, Grandville, Lowell and Rockford), editor, copy editor and social media manager. The Board of Education is working to establish a superintendent search process, said Board President Mimi Madden in a press release. Business profile of Kentwood Public Schools, located at 5820 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508. 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). Wyoming, Kent ISD | 2930 Knapp NE | Grand Rapids MI 49525. 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. Thornapple Kellogg    Sparta    SE. 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. Our Families are an integral and valued part of the Education of our Students. Kelloggsville    It has been an honor and privilege to serve this community over the past thirty three years, Superintendent Zoerhoff said in supplied material. KENTWOOD, Mich. Kentwood Public Schools (KPS) will be tightening security at Thursday's East Kentwood High School graduation. 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. Kevin Polston, currently superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools. If you are coming into school you can change it at your PC. Polston said he is eager to start building relationships within the Kentwood community. 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 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. Kentwood    Even at the end of my career, that pride of teaching still remains. Average Kentwood Public Schools hourly pay ranges from approximately $11.41 per hour for Childcare Provider to $17.80 per hour for Site Coordinator. 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). I am confident that Kentwood Public Schools will continue to excel, he said. Our candidate pool was exceptionally strong and our internal leadership team is outstanding, said board president Mimi Madden. Kent ISD's New Strategic Plan Learn more about LEAD, Kent ISD's new strategic plan, and our updated Vision, Mission and Values. Erin Albanese is associate managing editor and reporter, covering Byron Center, Kentwood, Wyoming and Grand Rapids Community College. 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. Rewarding every student's achievement in a nurturing environment is important to us. Our families are an integral and valued part of the education of our students. 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. School News Network is community journalism at work, funded through the donations of our sponsors and member school districts and developed by Kent ISD. This follows last week's . 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. 21: Wyoming Planning Commission, 7 pm, 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. She has worked as a journalist in the Grand Rapids area since 2000. Show Like Word Matches. The Board will offer a comprehensive, multi-year contract. 17: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. The interviews will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person. Polston was hired in 2017 to lead neighboring Godfrey-Lee schools. Staff - Kentwood Public Schools Staff Staff Quick Links We are proud to have you as part of the Kentwood Public Schools family! He will interview at 6 p.m. Wednesday. He will receive a longevity stipend of $12,860 for each year of the contract. While thenumber of people who can watch the interviews in person is limiteddue to Health Department regulations, the district encourages all community members, staff and students to watch the interviews on the livestream YouTube link. 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. (Supplied/Kentwood Pubic Schools) By K.D. 113 were here. Kentwood Public Schools loves to have our team connected! YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 13: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 5 pm, Apr. Thornapple Kellogg    Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff is retiring June 30 after eight years in the role. Kentwood Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff. We know our children will make the world a better place! Caledonia    You will now have one password for multiple accounts. The Jenison Board of Education unanimously selected Graham as the next. The superintendent led Godfrey-Lee Public Schools through a tumultuous school year amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. GPS Latitude: 42.858551. 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. 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. Private Junior High School. Superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools Job Type: Superintendent: Member Organization: Kentwood Public Schools - Kent: Consultant: Jay Bennett: Status: Complete: . The safety of our employees and community members remains the primary concern for Kentwood Public Schools. Anyone who wants to attend the interviews in person is asked to RSVP by emailing interviews@kentwoodps.org. The athletic achievements, music, art, and theater experiences further develop our students into well-rounded individuals. KENTWOOD, MI - The Kentwood Board of Education will interview six candidates this month in the search for the district's next superintendent. 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. Lowell    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. Cedar Springs    Kentwood Two finalists will interview for superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools Wednesday, May 5. Polston, who is currently the superintendent for Godfrey-Lee Public Schools in Wyoming, has been an educator for almost two decades. Polston has served as superintendent of Godfrey-Lee schools since 2017.. Administration A graduate of Central Michigan University, she has written for The Grand Rapids Press, Advance Newspapers, On-the-Town Magazine and Group Tour Media. 3: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, April 3: Kentwood City Commission Budget Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. Six candidates were interviewed April 28 and 29. . Graham, who has worked at Jenison for 22 years, will replace retiring superintendent Tom TenBrink on July 1, 2021. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23, a donation from AT&T and nonprofit Connected Nation. He also was a teacher, coach, principal, and assistant principal in the district. 6: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, Mar. Links to organizations and articles to aid in dealing with trauma. Mar. 7: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm. The average Kentwood Public Schools daily wage ranges from approximately $89.83 per day for Academic Interventionist to $92.20 per day for Teacher. Search string may not be null or blank. Gretchen Whitmer at Meadowlawn Elementary in Kentwood Public Schools on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019. Mar. There will also be an option for limited in-person seating and viewing opportunities at the administration building during the interviews. Excellence and equity: Kentwood Public Schools is a global district with a commitment to excellence and equity in all that we do. Our Families are an integral and valued part of the Education of our Students. The Kent ISD School Board recently announced the appointment of Sylvia James to fill the opening on the board created when Bill Joseph retired. (Supplied/Kentwood Pubic Schools) By K.D. In February, Polston was appointed by Gov. 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. Kenowa Hills    Cedar Springs    Forest Hills    Browse reviews, directions, phone numbers and more info on Kentwood Public Schools. Must include 3 out of 4 of the following. Kentwood Public Schools is the most diverse district in the state, which is part of what makes it so special, . 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! Date. Polston, who has been. 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. 0 miles away. In the coming weeks, our district and building leaders will share specific information about our upcoming back-to-school activities. Completed online applications must be submitted no later than 4:00 pm on April 6, 2021. Kentwood is the third largest district in Kent and Ottawa counties with more than 9,000 students. Action. Office of the Superintendent. It is my honor to write to you as the new Superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools! Network passwords will be synced with Gmail, Synergy, and eFinance accounts. 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. 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. 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. Your Email: First Name: This is a school district where students were born in over 60 different countries and over 80 different languages are spoken! The. First Name: We provide the best-trained staff to educate our children in a safe and orderly environment. 21: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm. Kentwood Public Schools, together with parents and the community will educate all students in a safe, secure environment. In this MLive file photo, Julie Brill talks to her 2nd grade class after visiting with Gov. 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. I am so excited to join our diverse global Kentwood community. City of Wyoming meetings are live on Comcast Channel 26 or click here. Comstock Park    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. Copyright 2023 WKTV, All rights reserved. Zoerhoff, who announced in November he was retiring June 30, was named Kentwoods superintendent in 2013. She will interview at 7:15 p.m. 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. Positive relationships provide the strength to meet high expectations and tackle what feels like the impossible. The district announced Wednesday that Zoerhoff would leave June 30, 2021, at the end of . If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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. As a district, in partnership with our community, we will continue to provide an education of excellence to every Kentwood student. Rockford    As an educator, I have always believed that positive relationships, active listening, empathy and a growth mindset lead to long term success. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 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. Godfrey-Lee    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. This district's average testing ranking is 7/10, which is in the top 50% of public schools in Michigan. 17: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. Listening and being responsive to our Kentwood community, both internal and external, has always been important, Madden said. Kenowa Hills    We are a child-centered environment We expect our students to work hard and excel. From home, please follow these instructions: Go to https://sso.kentwoodps.org/adfs/portal/updatepassword. Grandville    City of Kentwood meetings are available by clickinghere. The board selected Polston after final interviews with him and the other finalist, Nkenge Bergan, director of student services for Kalamazoo Public Schools. All rights reserved (About Us). Kent ISD    Compensation will be commensurate with experience of the successful candidate and requirements of the position. Polstons base salary will increase to $211,500 in the second year of his contract. GPS Longitude:-85.643473. Superintendent at Kentwood Public Schools Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States 865 followers 500+ connections Join to view profile Kentwood Public Schools Michigan State University. Calendar Nutrition Menus ParentVUE/StudentVUE Staff Employment kentwoodbond.com kentwoodbondfwc.com Facebook News & Announcements Chromebook Agreement Staff/Students-Trouble Logging In? What do I do? Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. View All. 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. 27: Wyoming Millage Informational Meeting, Wyoming Police Station, 7 pm. 27: Wyoming Millage Informational Meeting, Gezon Fire Station, 7 p.m. Apr. 24: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. Interested candidates should complete and submit an online application found at https://masb.myrevelus.com/. East Grand Rapids    Budget and Salary/Compensation Transparency Reporting, Tips for Parents and Staff When Dealing with Trauma. 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. Kentwood Public Schools has a very bright future.. Our goal is for each student to master and apply the essential skills to be a successful, productive citizen. Internal network link ONLY This server does not have access outside of the KPS Network for security reasons. 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. 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. School leaders describe the district as a global community school with over 90 languages spoken, representing multiple cultures, races, ethnicities, and religions. 21: Wyoming Planning Commission, 7 pm, Mar. Godwin Heights    Public Schools in Kentwood Public Schools School District have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the . Before coming to Godfrey-Lee, Polston was a teacher and principal at Grand Haven Area Public Schools, according to his LinkedIn profile. Kentwood is the third largest district in Kent and Ottawa counties with 9,242 students enrolled this school year. 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. Rockford    7: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm. It is with a sense of sadness but also deep gratitude that I retire from this wonderful profession.. Report . Get the latest updates for emergency drills at your child's building. Norris ken@wktv.org It can be hard to filter out all the admissions jargon when trying to pick a college. Polston brings experienced and proven leadership to Kentwood Public Schools. According to the announcement, interviews will be held in person, with appropriate social distancing, at the Kentwood Administration Building, 5820 Eastern Ave., in Kentwood. The Board of Education selected as finalists: Kevin Polston, currently superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools. Grand Rapids Community College    Caledonia    He will interview at 6 p.m. Wednesday. 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. Last Name: Mar. summer break (F), Field Trips, Mentors, and other Experiences, Kentwood Public Schools Educational Foundation. 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. His salary will reopen to be determined by mutual agreement with the board in his third year. "Veronica . Northview    Zoerhoff is one of several school leaders in Kent and Ottawa counties that announced retirement amid the coronavirus pandemic. KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD) Kentwood Public Schools has selected its next superintendent. James is also serving as Trustee on the Board of Education for Kentwood Public Schools. 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. No hard copy, fax or emailed copies accepted. 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 will continue during the Superintendent search process. Changes have been made to simplify password management and increase security. Last Name: Mar. The "Confirm new password" field is the same password that was entered into the New password field