Comstock Park    This community values both quality facilities and the hard work of our teachers and staff members.. Kent ISD    Lowell    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. 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. 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. Grand Rapids    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. 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. 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 School Dist . All rights reserved (About Us). 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. It is with a sense of sadness but also deep gratitude that I retire from this wonderful profession.. Last year he served as a member of Gov. City of Kentwood meetings are available by clickinghere. No hard copy, fax or emailed copies accepted. Superintendent's Office Superintendent's Office Superintendent's Welcome Greetings from Farmington 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. I am confident that Kentwood Public Schools will continue to excel, he said. Kentwood Public Schools has a very bright future.. He will interview at 6 p.m. Wednesday. 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. All rights reserved (About Us). Grand Valley State University. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Click on the above link(s) for additional information. 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. Grandville    The Facts 94% GPS Latitude: 42.858551. We are a child-centered environment We expect our students to work hard and excel. The Kent ISD School Board recently announced the appointment of Sylvia James to fill the opening on the board created when Bill Joseph retired. Welcome to Kentwood Public Schools Kentwood Public Schools are the heart of the community. Check out the calendar, talk with peers, give us a "like" or a follow on Facebook and more. Follow us on Facebook; Follow us on Twitter/span> . 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. He will interview at 6 p.m. Wednesday. According to the announcement, interviews will be held in person, with appropriate social distancing, at the Kentwood Administration Building, 5820 Eastern Ave., in Kentwood. Erin Albanese is associate managing editor and reporter, covering Byron Center, Kentwood, Wyoming and Grand Rapids Community College. Links to organizations and articles to aid in dealing with trauma. Byron Center   Kentwood is the third largest district in Kent and Ottawa counties with more than 9,000 students. In addition to accepting Zoerhoffs retirement announcement, the Board of Education will establish a superintendent search process. Godfrey-Lee    Kentwood Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff announced in November that he would retire at the end of the 2020-21 school year. Last Name: Mar. 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. Comstock Park    Kentwood In a unanimous vote, the Kentwood Public Schools Board of Education has selected Kevin Polston to serve as its next superintendent. Search Form Quick Search: Search. Polston said he is humbled and honored to be chosen to serve as Kentwoods next leader. Excellence and equity: Kentwood Public Schools is a global district with a commitment to excellence and equity in all that we do. 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. 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. Even at the end of my career, that pride of teaching still remains. On behalf of our entire staff and the Board of Education, I would like to welcome you to our school community. The board will begin contract. 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. 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. . Kent City    Kentwood International Virtual Academy (KIVA). Listening and being responsive to our Kentwood community, both internal and external, has always been important, Madden said. Forest Hills    Grand Rapids Community College    Cedar Springs    The school board unanimous voted to offer Kevin Polston the job. Thank you to the many parents and community members who have already reached out with warm words of support and affirmation. 2. Mar. 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. Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff is retiring June 30 after eight years in the role. This link will go live at approximately 5:45 p.m. the day of the interviews. (Cory Morse | MLive.com)Cory Morse | MLive.com. 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 district announced Wednesday that Zoerhoff would leave June 30, 2021, at the end of . Polston, who is currently the superintendent for Godfrey-Lee Public Schools in Wyoming, has been an educator for almost two decades. Zoerhoff said when he announced his retirement that its been an honor and a privilege to serve Kentwood Public Schools for three decades. GPS Longitude:-85.643473. Our families are an integral and valued part of the education of our students. Sparta    2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 27: Wyoming Millage Informational Meeting, Gezon Fire Station, 7 p.m. Apr. Rockford    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. From home, please follow these instructions: Go to https://sso.kentwoodps.org/adfs/portal/updatepassword. Norris ken@wktv.org Thornapple Kellogg    When I began my career in 1988, I was proud to be a Kentwood Public Schools teacher, he said. She will interview at 7:15 p.m. Kentwood Public Schools loves to have our team connected! (Supplied/Kentwood Pubic Schools) By K.D. City of Wyoming meetings are live on Comcast Channel 26 or click here. We are proud to have you as part of the Kentwood Public Schools family! We are a thriving global community, a vibrant example of different perspectives and traditions growing and excelling together. Six candidates will interview for the open role of Kentwood Public Schools superintendent. Superintendent; Service Catalog; Pupil Membership Services; School Board. Kenowa Hills    Your Email: 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. Updated: 6:08 PM EDT May 25, 2022. The "Old password"field is the current password that has expired 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 this MLive file photo, Julie Brill talks to her 2nd grade class after visiting with Gov. Completed online applications must be submitted no later than 4:00 pm on April 6, 2021. Grand Rapids    IMPORTANT: If you answer yes to any of the questions below, please contact your immediate supervisor for further direction. 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. Before coming to Godfrey-Lee, Polston was a teacher and principal at Grand Haven Area Public Schools, according to his LinkedIn profile. Compensation will be commensurate with experience of the successful candidate and requirements of the position. School leaders noted that Polstons commitment to West Michigans public schools reflects his passion for education and the importance of community partnerships. 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. Here are a few quick links to make sure you have what you need to support our students. 0 miles away. View All. Six candidates were interviewed April 28 and 29. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Changes have been made to simplify password management and increase security. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. Kentwood Two finalists will interview for superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools Wednesday, May 5. 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. We provide the best-trained staff to educate our children in a safe and orderly environment. Kenowa Hills    This is true for students, staff, and especially for leaders. 17: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. East Grand Rapids    This follows last week's . Positive relationships provide the strength to meet high expectations and tackle what feels like the impossible. "Veronica . 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. Calendar Nutrition Menus ParentVUE/StudentVUE Staff Employment kentwoodbond.com kentwoodbondfwc.com Facebook News & Announcements Chromebook Agreement Staff/Students-Trouble Logging In? As an educator, I have always believed that positive relationships, active listening, empathy and a growth mindset lead to long term success. 21: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm. It is my honor to write to you as the new Superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools! This will continue during the Superintendent search process. I look forward to continuing the strong partnership between our community and Kentwood Public Schools.. Your Active Directory password may haveexpired and/or needs to be changed. 24: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. Thornapple Kellogg    summer break (F), Field Trips, Mentors, and other Experiences, Kentwood Public Schools Educational Foundation. 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. Field Trips, Mentors, and other Experiences, Kentwood Public Schools Educational Foundation. The Kentwood Board of Education has approved a $204,500 starting salary for incoming superintendent Kevin Polston. First Name: Our community understands the link between quality schools and safe and stable neighborhoods, Zoerhoff said. Report . 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. City of Wyoming meetings are live on Comcast Channel 26 or click here. Our goal is for each student to master and apply the essential skills to be a successful, productive citizen. In addition to the salary, the school board will also contribute $20,450 annually to a tax-deferred annuity for Polston. Please do not enter the building. Zoerhoff, who announced in November he was retiring June 30, was named Kentwoods superintendent in 2013. Our families are an integral and valued part of the education of our students. We provide the best-trained staff to educate our children in a safe and orderly environment. 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.). Polston has served as superintendent of Godfrey-Lee schools since 2017. Nkenge Bergan, director of student services for Kalamazoo Public Schools. 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. Kelloggsville    Byron Center   This is a school district where students were born in over 60 different countries and over 80 different languages are spoken! Northview    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. 24: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. For the 2023 school year, there are 16 public schools serving 9,085 students in Kentwood Public Schools School District. 7: 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. Polston has led Godfrey-Lee as its superintendent since 2017, and previously worked as a teacher, principal and curriculum specialist. Kentwood Public Schools; Lowell Area Schools; Northview Public Schools; Rockford Public Schools; . Rewarding every student's achievement in a nurturing environment is important to us. 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.. What do I do? The Capturing Kids Hearts program that guides staff members and teachers in their work with our students will continue in the year ahead. 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. Community members, staff and students are encouraged to watch the interviews online as they take place. She is fascinated by the nuances of language, loves to travel and has strong feelings about the Oxford comma. Business profile of Kentwood Public Schools, located at 5820 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508. 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. (Supplied/Kentwood Pubic Schools) By K.D. It can be hard to filter out all the admissions jargon when trying to pick a college. Zoerhoff was named superintendent in 2013 and has worked in the district for 33 years. 7: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm. Office of the Superintendent. James is also serving as Trustee on the Board of Education for Kentwood Public Schools. As a district, in partnership with our community, we will continue to provide an education of excellence to every Kentwood student. Northview    10: Wyoming City Council Work Session, 5:30 pm, Apr. In the coming month, we will establish a direction that maintains this tradition and identifies our next steps.. 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 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. The superintendent led Godfrey-Lee Public Schools through a tumultuous school year amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. 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. Grand Rapids Community College    K . Rockford    She is an award-winning journalist who got her start as the education reporter for the Grand Haven Tribune. There will also be an option for limited in-person seating and viewing opportunities at the administration building during the interviews. Copyright 2023 WKTV, All rights reserved. Search Timeline. We know a strong connection between teachers and students is the first step in creating a safe and positive school environment. Our Families are an integral and valued part of the Education of our Students. While there have been some leadership changes at Kentwood Public Schools, some things will not change. Mr. 6: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, Mar. Godwin Heights    In addition, and most importantly, our students' positive self concepts and winning attitudes will make you glad to call Kentwood your home! 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. Assistant Director of Executive Search Services, Michigan Association of School Boards, at 517.327.5928 or jbennett@masb.org. 113 were here. There is also an option for limited in-person seating and viewing opportunities at the Administration Building during the interviews. Polstons base salary will increase to $211,500 in the second year of his contract. Date. Retired Superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools Caledonia, Michigan, United States. He will earn a starting salary of $204,500 when he takes the reins on July 1. Grandville    SE. Must include 3 out of 4 of the following. Anyone who wants to attend the interviews in person is asked to RSVP by emailing interviews@kentwoodps.org. This diverse environment uniquely prepares our students to be globally competitive in their chosen lifes pursuits after 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. Kentwood Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff. Administration 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. Action. Your Email: Grit:Our students have the inner strength and intellectual capability to meet and rise above lifes challenges. Last Name: Mar. 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. The interviews will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person. The Board of Education is working to establish a superintendent search process, said Board President Mimi Madden in a press release. Superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools Job Type: Superintendent: Member Organization: Kentwood Public Schools - Kent: Consultant: Jay Bennett: Status: Complete: . 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.. Copyright 2023 WKTV, All rights reserved. In February, Polston was appointed by Gov. Many students at Godfrey-Lee, and across Michigan, struggle with remote learning challenges due to unreliable internet connect. City of Kentwood meetings are available by clickinghere. Mar. Nkenge Bergan, director of student services for Kalamazoo Public Schools. His salary will reopen to be determined by mutual agreement with the board in his third year. Kent City    Kentwood    School News Network is community journalism at work, funded through the donations of our sponsors and member school districts and developed by Kent ISD. Kentwood Public Schools are the Heart of the Community.