Our families are an integral and valued part of the education of our students. School leaders noted that Polstons commitment to West Michigans public schools reflects his passion for education and the importance of community partnerships. Many students at Godfrey-Lee, and across Michigan, struggle with remote learning challenges due to unreliable internet connect. 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. Zoerhoff, who announced in November he was retiring June 30, was named Kentwoods superintendent in 2013. 13: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 5 pm, Apr. The first-round interviews will take place April 28-29. 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. Check out the calendar, talk with peers, give us a "like" or a follow on Facebook and more. Listening and being responsive to our Kentwood community, both internal and external, has always been important, Madden said. I am confident that Kentwood Public Schools will continue to excel, he said. Please do not enter the building. We will continue to consistently emphasize: 1. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. All rights reserved (About Us). 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 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. 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. James is also serving as Trustee on the Board of Education for Kentwood Public Schools. Polston has led Godfrey-Lee as its superintendent since 2017, and previously worked as a teacher, principal and curriculum specialist. Here are a few quick links to make sure you have what you need to support our students. The athletic achievements, music, art, and theater experiences further develop our students into well-rounded individuals. Copyright 2023 WKTV, All rights reserved. Report . Sparta Byron Center In the coming month, we will establish a direction that maintains this tradition and identifies our next steps.. In addition to accepting Zoerhoffs retirement announcement, the Board of Education will establish a superintendent search process. "Capturing Kids' Hearts" will assist staff in creating positive and meaningful relationships within the school community. According to the announcement, interviews will be held in person, with appropriate social distancing, at the Kentwood Administration Building, 5820 Eastern Ave., in Kentwood. He will receive a longevity stipend of $12,860 for each year of the contract. Superintendent. Six candidates were interviewed April 28 and 29. Welcome to Kentwood Public Schools Kentwood Public Schools are the heart of the community. You will now have one password for multiple accounts. 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. Copyright 2023 WKTV, All rights reserved. Kentwood Public Schools, together with parents and the community will educate all students in a safe, secure environment. The Board will offer a comprehensive, multi-year contract. The Facts 94% Polston, who is currently the superintendent for Godfrey-Lee Public Schools in Wyoming, has been an educator for almost two decades. 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. His salary will reopen to be determined by mutual agreement with the board in his third year. 24: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. Kelloggsville Grand Valley State University. First Name: Zoerhoff said when he announced his retirement that its been an honor and a privilege to serve Kentwood Public Schools for three decades. In February, Polston was appointed by Gov. Search string may not be null or blank. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. School leaders describe the district as a global community school with over 90 languages spoken, representing multiple cultures, races, ethnicities, and religions. I look forward to building positive relationships with staff, students, families and the community of Kentwood as we collaboratively continue the longstanding tradition of excellence.. 24: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. Candidate names will become public at the time an interview is scheduled. Show Like Word Matches. Last year he served as a member of Gov. The Board of Education is working to establish a superintendent search process, said Board President Mimi Madden in a press release. Zoerhoff is one of several school leaders in Kent and Ottawa counties that announced retirement amid the coronavirus pandemic. 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. When I began my career in 1988, I was proud to be a Kentwood Public Schools teacher, he said. Grandville 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. School board president Mimi Madden said the board is looking forward to the new superintendent joining Kentwood Public Schools. Kentwood Public Schools are the Heart of the Community. 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. What do I do? Kentwood Mar. We know a strong connection between teachers and students is the first step in creating a safe and positive school environment. 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 district announced Wednesday that Zoerhoff would leave June 30, 2021, at the end of . If you are coming into school you can change it at your PC. He also served in 2019 as chair of the Kent Intermediate Superintendents Association Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. Mr. Northview IF requested by the candidate, materials will be treated confidentially through the screening process. "Listening and being responsive to our Kentwood community, both internal and external, has always . YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The district website (kentwoodps.org) will have viewing instructions and more information. 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. Kenowa Hills We are a thriving global community, a vibrant example of different perspectives and traditions growing and excelling together. Lowell Business profile of Kentwood Public Schools, located at 5820 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508. KENTWOOD, MI - The Kentwood Board of Education will interview six candidates this month in the search for the district's next superintendent. Forest Hills YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 318 followers 314 connections. SE. It has been an honor and privilege to serve this community over the past thirty three years, Superintendent Zoerhoff said in supplied material. 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.. 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. Grand Rapids Six candidates will interview for the open role of Kentwood Public Schools superintendent. Get the latest updates for emergency drills at your child's building. The Jenison Board of Education unanimously selected Graham as the next. You can apply for school of choice to have your student attend with us in the fall. Kentwood Public Schools has a very bright future.. Polston has served as superintendent of Godfrey-Lee schools since 2017.. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Polston brings experienced and proven leadership to Kentwood Public Schools. 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. Kentwood Public Schools; Lowell Area Schools; Northview Public Schools; Rockford Public Schools; . 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. 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. 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. Follow us on Facebook; Follow us on Twitter/span> . Action. 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. I am so excited to join our diverse global Kentwood community. 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. Erin Albanese is associate managing editor and reporter, covering Byron Center, Kentwood, Wyoming and Grand Rapids Community College. Budget and Salary/Compensation Transparency Reporting, Tips for Parents and Staff When Dealing with Trauma. Grand Rapids Community College 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. KENTWOOD, Mich. Kentwood Public Schools (KPS) will be tightening security at Thursday's East Kentwood High School graduation. 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.). If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. GPS Latitude: 42.858551. This community values both quality facilities and the hard work of our teachers and staff members.. 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. Office of the Superintendent. 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. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23, a donation from AT&T and nonprofit Connected Nation. Positive relationships provide the strength to meet high expectations and tackle what feels like the impossible. 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. East Grand Rapids 13: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 5 pm, Apr. Comstock Park Your Active Directory password may haveexpired and/or needs to be changed. 27: Wyoming Millage Informational Meeting, Gezon Fire Station, 7 p.m. Apr. 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. Kenowa Hills Social distancing guidelines will be followed and there will be limited options for in-person seating. 21: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm. This district's average testing ranking is 7/10, which is in the top 50% of public schools in Michigan. Browse reviews, directions, phone numbers and more info on Kentwood Public Schools. KENTWOOD, MI - Kentwood Public Schools has selected Kevin Polston, superintendent of the neighboring school district Godfrey-Lee, to take over as its next leader. Rockford 7: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. 3: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, April 3: Kentwood City Commission Budget Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. She is fascinated by the nuances of language, loves to travel and has strong feelings about the Oxford comma. As an educator, I have always believed that positive relationships, active listening, empathy and a growth mindset lead to long term success. Search Timeline. Rockford 2. Changes have been made to simplify password management and increase security. 7: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm. Byron Center No hard copy, fax or emailed copies accepted. 21: Wyoming Planning Commission, 7 pm, Mar. He also was a teacher, coach, principal, and assistant principal in the district. As an educator, I have always believed that positive relationships, active listening, empathy and a growth mindset lead to long term 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. School News Network is community journalism at work, funded through the donations of our sponsors and member school districts and developed by Kent ISD. 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. Both will report directly to new Superintendent Kevin Polston, according to an announcement from the district. The average Kentwood Public Schools daily wage ranges from approximately $89.83 per day for Academic Interventionist to $92.20 per day for Teacher. 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. 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. 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. 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. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Kent ISD's New Strategic Plan Learn more about LEAD, Kent ISD's new strategic plan, and our updated Vision, Mission and Values. Cedar Springs Gretchen Whitmers Return to Learn Advisory Council, and in February was appointed chairperson of the governors statewide Student Recovery Advisory Council. Thornapple Kellogg Kent ISD Join to connect Kentwood Public Schools. The Kent ISD School Board recently announced the appointment of Sylvia James to fill the opening on the board created when Bill Joseph retired. In addition to the salary, the school board will also contribute $20,450 annually to a tax-deferred annuity for Polston. 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Kentwood Public Schools is proud to announce the inaugural year of Kentwood International Virtual Academy (KIVA). She will interview at 7:15 p.m. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Lowell Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Calendar Nutrition Menus ParentVUE/StudentVUE Staff Employment kentwoodbond.com kentwoodbondfwc.com Facebook News & Announcements Chromebook Agreement Staff/Students-Trouble Logging In? He will earn a starting salary of $204,500 when he takes the reins on July 1. Polston said he is humbled and honored to be chosen to serve as Kentwoods next leader. 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. (Photo provided by Kevin Polston). Internal network link ONLY This server does not have access outside of the KPS Network for security reasons. 6: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, Mar. Our Families are an integral and valued part of the Education of our Students. 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! City of Wyoming meetings are live on Comcast Channel 26 or click here. Kelloggsville We are a "no-excuse" district. A Calvin University graduate, she later returned to Calvin to help manage its national writing festival. 17: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. Links to organizations and articles to aid in dealing with trauma. Search Form Quick Search: Search. 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. Mar. Our candidate pool was exceptionally strong and our internal leadership team is outstanding, said board president Mimi Madden. Wyoming, Kent ISD | 2930 Knapp NE | Grand Rapids MI 49525. In an industry where leaders frequently change school districts, Zoerhoff spent his entire 33-year career in Kentwood Public Schools, serving as a teacher, coach, principal, assistant principal, assistant superintendent and finally as superintendent, according to the announcement. Polston said he is eager to start building relationships within the Kentwood community. On behalf of our entire staff and the Board of Education, I would like to welcome you to our school community. The contract stipulates Polston will get 25 vacation days as well as four personal days, three floating holidays, nine calendar holidays and 15 sick days. Here are a few quick links to make sure you have what you need to support our students. Date. Superintendent; Service Catalog; Pupil Membership Services; School Board. The Board of Education selected as finalists: Kevin Polston, currently superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools. The safety of our employees and community members remains the primary concern for Kentwood Public Schools. Click on the above link(s) for additional information. The school board unanimous voted to offer Kevin Polston the job.