The Kentwood Board of Education has approved a $204,500 starting salary for incoming superintendent Kevin Polston. 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. She will interview at 7:15 p.m. GPS Longitude:-85.643473. Polston has served as superintendent of Godfrey-Lee schools since 2017. 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.. 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. 6: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, Mar. Zoerhoff is one of several school leaders in Kent and Ottawa counties that announced retirement amid the coronavirus pandemic. 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. Cedar Springs    You can apply for school of choice to have your student attend with us in the fall. Action. Field Trips, Mentors, and other Experiences, Kentwood Public Schools Educational Foundation. The Facts 94% The first-round interviews will take place April 28-29. School leaders noted that Polstons commitment to West Michigans public schools reflects his passion for education and the importance of community partnerships. 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. It is my honor to write to you as the new Superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools! Northview    Here are a few quick links to make sure you have what you need to support our students. It has been an honor and privilege to serve this community over the past thirty three years, Superintendent Zoerhoff said in supplied material. Grand Valley State University. Kenowa Hills    City of Kentwood meetings are available by clickinghere. 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. Cedar Springs    School board president Mimi Madden said the board is looking forward to the new superintendent joining Kentwood Public Schools. Polston has served as superintendent of Godfrey-Lee schools since 2017.. View All. Superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools Job Type: Superintendent: Member Organization: Kentwood Public Schools - Kent: Consultant: Jay Bennett: Status: Complete: . Search string may not be null or blank. 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. Positive relationships provide the strength to meet high expectations and tackle what feels like the impossible. We provide the best-trained staff to educate our children in a safe and orderly environment. Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff is retiring June 30 after eight years in the role. 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. Copyright 2023 WKTV, All rights reserved. Our community understands the link between quality schools and safe and stable neighborhoods, Zoerhoff said. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 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. 3: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, April 3: Kentwood City Commission Budget Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. From home, please follow these instructions: Go to https://sso.kentwoodps.org/adfs/portal/updatepassword. 21: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm. She is an award-winning journalist who got her start as the education reporter for the Grand Haven Tribune. Gretchen Whitmers Return to Learn Advisory Council, and in February was appointed chairperson of the governors statewide Student Recovery Advisory Council. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. In addition, and most importantly, our students' positive self concepts and winning attitudes will make you glad to call Kentwood your home! Kent City    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. Six candidates will interview for the open role of Kentwood Public Schools superintendent. 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. Mar. 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. (Cory Morse | MLive.com)Cory Morse | MLive.com. Go tohttps://www.kentwoodps.org/ourdistrict/boardofeducation/and click on the link at that time to watch the board meeting and interviews. The "Old password"field is the current password that has expired The board selected Polston after final interviews with him and the other finalist, Nkenge Bergan, director of student services for Kalamazoo Public Schools. No hard copy, fax or emailed copies accepted. Nkenge Bergan, director of student services for Kalamazoo Public Schools. First Name: 27: Wyoming Millage Informational Meeting, Wyoming Police Station, 7 pm. We are a thriving global community, a vibrant example of different perspectives and traditions growing and excelling together. SE. 17: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. Grand Rapids    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. 0 miles away. The school board unanimous voted to offer Kevin Polston the job. If you are coming into school you can change it at your PC. Check out the calendar, talk with peers, give us a "like" or a follow on Facebook and more. Internal network link ONLY This server does not have access outside of the KPS Network for security reasons. The field with [emailprotected] can be in the following formats. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. First Name: 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. 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. 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. Godfrey-Lee    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. In the coming weeks, our district and building leaders will share specific information about our upcoming back-to-school activities. Kentwood Public Schools are the Heart of the Community. He will interview at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Sign up now to receive the latest from WKTV! She is fascinated by the nuances of language, loves to travel and has strong feelings about the Oxford comma. Kentwood Public Schools are the heart of the community. 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. Superintendent's Office Superintendent's Office Superintendent's Welcome Greetings from Farmington 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. Wyoming, Kent ISD | 2930 Knapp NE | Grand Rapids MI 49525. Beth Heinen Bell is a reporter (covering Cedar Springs, Grandville, Lowell and Rockford), editor, copy editor and social media manager. All rights reserved (About Us). In the coming months, I look forward to listening and learning in our Kentwood community as I engage with parents, students, teachers, and staff in a range of forums. Godwin Heights    The "Confirm new password" field is the same password that was entered into the New password field Thornapple Kellogg    Kentwood    Our promise to our parents is to keep them excited about their students' academic accomplishments and awards. 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.. Mar. Completed online applications must be submitted no later than 4:00 pm on April 6, 2021. She has worked as a journalist in the Grand Rapids area since 2000. What do I do? Kentwood is the third largest district in Kent and Ottawa counties with 9,242 students enrolled this school year. 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. Kenowa Hills    Calendar Nutrition Menus ParentVUE/StudentVUE Staff Employment kentwoodbond.com kentwoodbondfwc.com Facebook News & Announcements Chromebook Agreement Staff/Students-Trouble Logging In? Kentwood Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff announced in November that he would retire at the end of the 2020-21 school year. Rockford    (Photo provided by Kevin Polston). He is a systems thinker and a systems designer. Lowell    21: Wyoming Planning Commission, 7 pm, Mar. The unanimous vote to offer the position to Superintendent Polston will continue the tradition of leadership excellence that our community has come to expect.. Erin Albanese is associate managing editor and reporter, covering Byron Center, Kentwood, Wyoming and Grand Rapids Community College. Get the latest updates for emergency drills at your child's building. Search Form Quick Search: Search. Our Families are an integral and valued part of the Education of our Students. 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. Must include 3 out of 4 of the following. 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. City of Wyoming meetings are live on Comcast Channel 26 or click here. This diverse environment uniquely prepares our students to be globally competitive in their chosen lifes pursuits after graduation. Report . 5820 Eastern Ave. 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.). Listening and being responsive to our Kentwood community, both internal and external, has always been important, Madden said. Public Schools in Kentwood Public Schools School District have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the . Byron Center   Kentwood is the third largest district in Kent and Ottawa counties with more than 9,000 students. Thank you to the many parents and community members who have already reached out with warm words of support and affirmation. School leaders describe the district as a global community school with over 90 languages spoken, representing multiple cultures, races, ethnicities, and religions. Godwin Heights    His salary will reopen to be determined by mutual agreement with the board in his third year. "Listening and being responsive to our Kentwood community, both internal and external, has always . Gretchen Whitmer at Meadowlawn Elementary in Kentwood Public Schools on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019. School News Network is community journalism at work, funded through the donations of our sponsors and member school districts and developed by Kent ISD. Click on the above link(s) for additional information. Kentwood Public Schools is the most diverse district in the state, which is part of what makes it so special, . It can be hard to filter out all the admissions jargon when trying to pick a college. Superintendent at Kentwood Public Schools Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States 865 followers 500+ connections Join to view profile Kentwood Public Schools Michigan State University. Links to organizations and articles to aid in dealing with trauma. Office of the Superintendent. 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). Rockford    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.. Superintendent; Service Catalog; Pupil Membership Services; School Board. Anyone who wants to attend the interviews in person is asked to RSVP by emailing interviews@kentwoodps.org. As an educator, I have always believed that positive relationships, active listening, empathy and a growth mindset lead to long term success. The district announced Wednesday that Zoerhoff would leave June 30, 2021, at the end of . Here are a few quick links to make sure you have what you need to support our students. The Jenison Board of Education unanimously selected Graham as the next. City of Wyoming meetings are live on Comcast Channel 26 or click here. 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. 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 is a school district where students were born in over 60 different countries and over 80 different languages are spoken! Many students at Godfrey-Lee, and across Michigan, struggle with remote learning challenges due to unreliable internet connect. Last Name: Mar. Kentwood Two finalists will interview for superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools Wednesday, May 5. Grand Rapids    The superintendent led Godfrey-Lee Public Schools through a tumultuous school year amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. 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 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. 21: Wyoming Planning Commission, 7 pm, Mar. Your Email: 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. 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. 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, Kent County Treasurers office launches new online payment service for delinquent property taxes. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The Board of Education is working to establish a superintendent search process, said Board President Mimi Madden in a press release. Staff - Kentwood Public Schools Staff Staff Quick Links We are proud to have you as part of the Kentwood Public Schools family! Kentwood Public Schools has a very bright future.. 3. Our Families are an integral and valued part of the Education of our Students. The Board will offer a comprehensive, multi-year contract. 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. The board will begin contract. 113 were here. 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. 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 Kent ISD School Board recently announced the appointment of Sylvia James to fill the opening on the board created when Bill Joseph retired. 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! . He had previously been the districts assistant superintendent for human resources. Kentwood Public School Dist . A preliminary salary range of $180,000 to $220,000 has been established. Kentwood Public Schools; Lowell Area Schools; Northview Public Schools; Rockford Public Schools; . K . Six candidates were interviewed April 28 and 29. Retired Superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools Caledonia, Michigan, United States. Sparta    Byron Center   Administration Grit:Our students have the inner strength and intellectual capability to meet and rise above lifes challenges. Thornapple Kellogg    Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Kent City    Kentwood Public Schools loves to have our team connected! 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. Nkenge Bergan, director of student services for Kalamazoo Public Schools. Instead of 11111, use your employee ID#. 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. Central to this effort is our commitment to help students develop a growth mindset that reflects high expectations. Network passwords will be synced with Gmail, Synergy, and eFinance accounts. 7: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm. 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. Beth has also written for The Grand Rapids Press, Fox 17 and several West Michigan businesses and nonprofits. 10: Wyoming City Council Work Session, 5:30 pm, Apr. KENTWOOD, Mich. Kentwood Public Schools (KPS) will be tightening security at Thursday's East Kentwood High School graduation. 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. 13: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 5 pm, Apr. 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. 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). 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. 24: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. The Kentwood Board of Education has approved a $204,500 starting salary for incoming superintendent Kevin Polston. 6: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, Mar. Date.