School board president Mimi Madden said the board is looking forward to the new superintendent joining Kentwood Public Schools. Excellence and equity: Kentwood Public Schools is a global district with a commitment to excellence and equity in all that we do. Six candidates will interview for the open role of Kentwood Public Schools superintendent. Polston was hired in 2017 to lead neighboring Godfrey-Lee schools. City of Kentwood meetings are available by clickinghere. A Calvin University graduate, she later returned to Calvin to help manage its national writing festival. Kentwood is the third largest district in Kent and Ottawa counties with 9,242 students enrolled this school year. Updated: 6:08 PM EDT May 25, 2022. KENTWOOD, MI The Kentwood Board of Education will interview six candidates this month in the search for the districts next superintendent. East Grand Rapids    Kentwood    Positive relationships provide the strength to meet high expectations and tackle what feels like the impossible. He will earn a starting salary of $204,500 when he takes the reins on July 1. Godfrey-Lee    summer break (F), Field Trips, Mentors, and other Experiences, Kentwood Public Schools Educational Foundation. Comstock Park    There will also be an option for limited in-person seating and viewing opportunities at the administration building during the interviews. In the coming weeks, our district and building leaders will share specific information about our upcoming back-to-school activities. 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. Our candidate pool was exceptionally strong and our internal leadership team is outstanding, said board president Mimi Madden. Click on the above link(s) for additional information. Godwin Heights    13: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 5 pm, Apr. KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD) Kentwood Public Schools Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff is preparing to retire. KPS Superintendent Search Input: - Kentwood Public Schools | Facebook Six candidates to interview for Kentwood Public Schools superintendent As an educator, I have always believed that positive relationships, active listening, empathy and a growth mindset lead to long term success. Kenowa Hills    Our District - Kentwood Public Schools "Capturing Kids' Hearts" will assist staff in creating positive and meaningful relationships within the school community. Sparta    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. Kentwood Public Schools are the heart of the community. This is a school district where students were born in over 60 different countries and over 80 different languages are spoken! 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. Kentwood Public Schools, Grand Rapids, MI - 5820 Eastern Ave SE James is also serving as Trustee on the Board of Education for Kentwood Public Schools. 21: Wyoming Planning Commission, 7 pm, Mar. We will continue to consistently emphasize: 1. Staff - Kentwood Public Schools Staff Staff Quick Links We are proud to have you as part of the Kentwood Public Schools family! Norris ken@wktv.org 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. 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. The school board unanimous voted to offer Kevin Polston the job. 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. Kentwood Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff announced in November that he would retire at the end of the 2020-21 school year. Polston has led Godfrey-Lee as its superintendent since 2017, and previously worked as a teacher, principal and curriculum specialist. Your Active Directory password may haveexpired and/or needs to be changed. Kentwood superintendent to retire at end of school year It can be hard to filter out all the admissions jargon when trying to pick a college. Join to connect Kentwood Public Schools. For the 2023 school year, there are 16 public schools serving 9,085 students in Kentwood Public Schools School District. Polston said he is eager to start building relationships within the Kentwood community. This diverse environment uniquely prepares our students to be globally competitive in their chosen lifes pursuits after graduation. Zoerhoff, who announced in November he was retiring June 30, was named Kentwoods superintendent in 2013. KENTWOOD, Mich. Kentwood Public Schools (KPS) will be tightening security at Thursday's East Kentwood High School graduation. On May 6, the Kentwood Board of Education selected Polston from a pool of six finalist candidates who interviewed to be the new superintendent. Kentwood Public Schools Mother: East Kentwood High School student unknowingly given edible Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Sparta    21: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm. "Listening and being responsive to our Kentwood community, both internal and external, has always . 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. KENTWOOD, MI - The Kentwood Board of Education will interview six candidates this month in the search for the district's next superintendent. Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff is retiring June 30 after eight years in the role. K . 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. The Board of Education selected as finalists: Kevin Polston, currently superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools. This is true for students, staff, and especially for leaders. Rockford    City of Wyoming meetings are live on Comcast Channel 26 or click here. Rockford    Report . First Name: Joe Cull - kentisd.org The safety of our employees and community members remains the primary concern for Kentwood Public Schools. Polston brings experienced and proven leadership to Kentwood Public Schools. In the coming month, we will establish a direction that maintains this tradition and identifies our next steps.. 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. We provide the best-trained staff to educate our children in a safe and orderly environment. Kent City    The Jenison Board of Education unanimously selected Graham as the next. Kent City    Kentwood is the third largest district in Kent and Ottawa counties with more than 9,000 students. Strong relationships: Our teachers and staff members build strong relationships with our students; these relationships are at the heart of a positive learning environment. The board will begin contract. Second round interviews/First Opportunity for Board Selection of Superintendent, Second Opportunity for Board Selection of Superintendent, Interested candidates should complete and submit an online application found at, All questions regarding the search should be directed to Jay D. Bennett, Assistant Director of Executive Search Services, Michigan Association of School Boards, at 517.327.5928 or. Assistant Director of Executive Search Services, Michigan Association of School Boards, at 517.327.5928 or jbennett@masb.org. 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. 27: Wyoming Millage Informational Meeting, Wyoming Police Station, 7 pm. If you are coming into school you can change it at your PC. Private Junior High School. We are a "no-excuse" district. 2. Positive relationships and high expectations:Positive relationships provide the support needed to overcome difficult life circumstances. 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. 24: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. 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. 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. Our Families are an integral and valued part of the Education of our Students. School News Network is community journalism at work, funded through the donations of our sponsors and member school districts and developed by Kent ISD. Kevin Polston - Superintendent - Kentwood Public Schools | LinkedIn 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools Job Type: Superintendent: Member Organization: Kentwood Public Schools - Kent: Consultant: Jay Bennett: Status: Complete: . Newcomer challenging 3 incumbents on Kentwood school board Kentwood Public Schools loves to have our team connected! The "Old password"field is the current password that has expired The athletic achievements, music, art, and theater experiences further develop our students into well-rounded individuals. Average Kentwood Public Schools hourly pay ranges from approximately $11.41 per hour for Childcare Provider to $17.80 per hour for Site Coordinator. Superintendent announces retirement after 33 years serving Kentwood We provide the best-trained staff to educate our children in a safe and orderly environment. 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. Grand Valley State University. Here are a few quick links to make sure you have what you need to support our students. Grit:Our students have the inner strength and intellectual capability to meet and rise above lifes challenges. Kentwood Public Schools Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff to - mlive Kent ISD 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.. "Veronica . Links to organizations and articles to aid in dealing with trauma. 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. Public Schools in Kentwood Public Schools School District have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the . Date. She will interview at 7:15 p.m. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Wyoming, Kent ISD | 2930 Knapp NE | Grand Rapids MI 49525. 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. In addition to the salary, the school board will also contribute $20,450 annually to a tax-deferred annuity for Polston. Candidate names will become public at the time an interview is scheduled. This district's average testing ranking is 7/10, which is in the top 50% of public schools in Michigan. Mar. Graham, who has worked at Jenison for 22 years, will replace retiring superintendent Tom TenBrink on July 1, 2021. I don't live in Kentwood Public School's district but I want my student to attend. Action. Interview schedule announced for finalists for Kentwood Public Schools Kent ISD's New Strategic Plan Learn more about LEAD, Kent ISD's new strategic plan, and our updated Vision, Mission and Values. 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. Superintendent at Kentwood Public Schools Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States 865 followers 500+ connections Join to view profile Kentwood Public Schools Michigan State University. Our community understands the link between quality schools and safe and stable neighborhoods, Zoerhoff said. Polston has served as superintendent of Godfrey-Lee schools since 2017. 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. Cedar Springs    City of Wyoming meetings are live on Comcast Channel 26 or click here. 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. 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. Six candidates were interviewed April 28 and 29. Kentwood Public Schools, together with parents and the community will educate all students in a safe, secure environment. This follows last week's . This community values both quality facilities and the hard work of our teachers and staff members.. search - Kentwood Public Schools She is an award-winning journalist who got her start as the education reporter for the Grand Haven Tribune. 10: Wyoming City Council Work Session, 5:30 pm, Apr. Instead of 11111, use your employee ID#. We know a strong connection between teachers and students is the first step in creating a safe and positive school environment. Both will report directly to new Superintendent Kevin Polston, according to an announcement from the district. I am so excited to join our diverse global Kentwood community. Kentwood Public Schools trustee Sylvia James appointed to Kent ISD Superintendent. 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. 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.. Our promise to our parents is to keep them excited about their students' academic accomplishments and awards. All rights reserved (About Us). Completed online applications must be submitted no later than 4:00 pm on April 6, 2021. Browse reviews, directions, phone numbers and more info on Kentwood Public Schools. 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. Your Email: The superintendent led Godfrey-Lee Public Schools through a tumultuous school year amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Places nearby. Get the latest updates for emergency drills at your child's building. He also was a teacher, coach, principal, and assistant principal in the district. Business profile of Kentwood Public Schools, located at 5820 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508. 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. 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. A preliminary salary range of $180,000 to $220,000 has been established. The district announced Wednesday that Zoerhoff would leave June 30, 2021, at the end of . 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. Kentwood In a unanimous vote, the Kentwood Public Schools Board of Education has selected Kevin Polston to serve as its next superintendent. The field with [emailprotected] can be in the following formats. Kentwood Public Schools; Lowell Area Schools; Northview Public Schools; Rockford Public Schools; . It has been an honor and privilege to serve this community over the past thirty three years, Superintendent Zoerhoff said in supplied material. 3. According to the announcement, interviews will be held in person, with appropriate social distancing, at the Kentwood Administration Building, 5820 Eastern Ave., in Kentwood. 27: Wyoming Millage Informational Meeting, Gezon Fire Station, 7 p.m. Apr. 3: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, April 3: Kentwood City Commission Budget Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. The board selected Polston after final interviews with him and the other finalist, Nkenge Bergan, director of student services for Kalamazoo Public Schools. 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. 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. You can apply for school of choice to have your student attend with us in the fall. 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. 21: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm. 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. In addition to accepting Zoerhoffs retirement announcement, the Board of Education will establish a superintendent search process. Mar. 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. Polston said he is humbled and honored to be chosen to serve as Kentwoods next leader. IMPORTANT: If you answer yes to any of the questions below, please contact your immediate supervisor for further direction. This link will go live at approximately 5:45 p.m. the day of the interviews. 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. Public School Kentwood Public Schools | Kentwood MI 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.