The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. The Kentwood Board of Education has approved a $204,500 starting salary for incoming superintendent Kevin Polston. Go tohttps://www.kentwoodps.org/ourdistrict/boardofeducation/and click on the link at that time to watch the board meeting and interviews. Business profile of Kentwood Public Schools, located at 5820 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508. 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. KENTWOOD, MI - Kentwood Public Schools has selected Kevin Polston, superintendent of the neighboring school district Godfrey-Lee, to take over as its next leader. A graduate of Central Michigan University, she has written for The Grand Rapids Press, Advance Newspapers, On-the-Town Magazine and Group Tour Media. "Veronica . The "Confirm new password" field is the same password that was entered into the New password field 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. On behalf of our entire staff and the Board of Education, I would like to welcome you to our school 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. Sign up now to receive the latest from WKTV! 7: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm. Wyoming, Kent ISD | 2930 Knapp NE | Grand Rapids MI 49525. Your Email: Grit:Our students have the inner strength and intellectual capability to meet and rise above lifes challenges. KENTWOOD, MI The Kentwood Board of Education will interview six candidates this month in the search for the districts next superintendent. Public Schools in Kentwood Public Schools School District have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the . Caledonia    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. 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. Here are a few quick links to make sure you have what you need to support our students. 27: Wyoming Millage Informational Meeting, Gezon Fire Station, 7 p.m. Apr. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 6: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, Mar. 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. Field Trips, Mentors, and other Experiences, Kentwood Public Schools Educational Foundation. The safety of our employees and community members remains the primary concern for Kentwood Public Schools. 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. 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.. 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. She will interview at 7:15 p.m. Kentwood is the third largest district in Kent and Ottawa counties with 9,242 students enrolled this school year. Network passwords will be synced with Gmail, Synergy, and eFinance accounts. Rockford    10: Wyoming City Council Work Session, 5:30 pm, Apr. Action. In addition to the salary, the school board will also contribute $20,450 annually to a tax-deferred annuity for 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. Public School Kentwood Public Schools | Kentwood MI It is with a sense of sadness but also deep gratitude that I retire from this wonderful profession.. Benefits Information Frontline Login Google Apps Synergy SIS COVID-19 Self Diagnosis Community members, staff and students are encouraged to watch the interviews online as they take place. You can apply for school of choice to have your student attend with us in the fall. 3: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, April 3: Kentwood City Commission Budget Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. To accommodate proper social distancing, the Board of Education asks that you RSVP if you intend to attend the interviews in person by emailing interviews@kentwoodps.org. Before coming to Godfrey-Lee, Polston was a teacher and principal at Grand Haven Area Public Schools, according to his LinkedIn profile. 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. (Supplied/Kentwood Pubic Schools) By K.D. KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD) Kentwood Public Schools Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff is preparing to retire. 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. On May 6, the Kentwood Board of Education selected Polston from a pool of six finalist candidates who interviewed to be the new superintendent. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Norris ken@wktv.org Polston has led Godfrey-Lee as its superintendent since 2017, and previously worked as a teacher, principal and curriculum specialist. Please do not enter the building. 27: Wyoming Millage Informational Meeting, Gezon Fire Station, 7 p.m. Apr. The average Kentwood Public Schools daily wage ranges from approximately $89.83 per day for Academic Interventionist to $92.20 per day for Teacher. Our Families are an integral and valued part of the Education of our Students. City of Wyoming meetings are live on Comcast Channel 26 or click here. He had previously been the districts assistant superintendent for human resources. Last Name: Mar. The athletic achievements, music, art, and theater experiences further develop our students into well-rounded individuals. Comstock Park    His salary will reopen to be determined by mutual agreement with the board in his third year. The Kent ISD School Board recently announced the appointment of Sylvia James to fill the opening on the board created when Bill Joseph retired. Kentwood Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff announced in November that he would retire at the end of the 2020-21 school year. Our community understands the link between quality schools and safe and stable neighborhoods, Zoerhoff said. Your Email: 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.. Beth Heinen Bell is a reporter (covering Cedar Springs, Grandville, Lowell and Rockford), editor, copy editor and social media manager. The board will begin contract. Mar. Mar. Polston, who has been. Forest Hills    School board president Mimi Madden said the board is looking forward to the new superintendent joining Kentwood Public Schools. Office of the Superintendent. summer break (F), Field Trips, Mentors, and other Experiences, Kentwood Public Schools Educational Foundation. For the 2023 school year, there are 16 public schools serving 9,085 students in Kentwood Public Schools School District. Zoerhoff was named superintendent in 2013 and has worked in the district for 33 years. According to the announcement, interviews will be held in person, with appropriate social distancing, at the Kentwood Administration Building, 5820 Eastern Ave., in Kentwood. In addition to accepting Zoerhoffs retirement announcement, the Board of Education will establish a superintendent search process. 13: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 5 pm, Apr. Grand Rapids Community College    Get the latest updates for emergency drills at your child's building. To accommodate proper social distancing, the Board of Education asks that interested persons RSVP to attend the interviews in person by emailing: interviews@kentwoodps.org. City of Kentwood meetings are available by clickinghere. A preliminary salary range of $180,000 to $220,000 has been established. 113 were here. Comstock Park    In the coming weeks, our district and building leaders will share specific information about our upcoming back-to-school activities. She is fascinated by the nuances of language, loves to travel and has strong feelings about the Oxford comma. Thank you to the many parents and community members who have already reached out with warm words of support and affirmation. 27: Wyoming Millage Informational Meeting, Wyoming Police Station, 7 pm. The board selected Polston after final interviews with him and the other finalist, Nkenge Bergan, director of student services for Kalamazoo Public Schools. Godwin Heights    He will earn a starting salary of $204,500 when he takes the reins on July 1. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Updated: 6:08 PM EDT May 25, 2022. 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. School leaders describe the district as a global community school with over 90 languages spoken, representing multiple cultures, races, ethnicities, and religions. The interviews will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person. The Jenison Board of Education unanimously selected Graham as the next. 7: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm. East Grand Rapids    It is my honor to write to you as the new Superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools! School News Network is community journalism at work, funded through the donations of our sponsors and member school districts and developed by Kent ISD. 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. 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. Grandville    Kentwood Public School Dist . 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 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. Lowell    This follows last week's . More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23, a donation from AT&T and nonprofit Connected Nation. 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. 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. Field Trips, Mentors, and other Experiences, Kentwood Public Schools Educational Foundation. Kentwood is the third largest district in Kent and Ottawa counties with more than 9,000 students. 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. He will interview at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Rockford    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. There is also an option for limited in-person seating and viewing opportunities at the Administration Building during the interviews. We provide the best-trained staff to educate our children in a safe and orderly environment. 6: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, Mar. Forest Hills    If you are coming into school you can change it at your PC. 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. The Facts 94% Kentwood Public Schools, together with parents and the community will educate all students in a safe, secure environment. This community values both quality facilities and the hard work of our teachers and staff members.. Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff is retiring June 30 after eight years in the role. Kentwood    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. 17: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. 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. Kelloggsville    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. First Name: As an educator, I have always believed that positive relationships, active listening, empathy and a growth mindset lead to long term success. Sparta    17: Wyoming City Council Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. The field with [emailprotected] can be in the following formats. 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.). 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. Kent ISD    I look forward to continuing the strong partnership between our community and Kentwood Public Schools.. Cedar Springs    Norris ken@wktv.org Internal network link ONLY This server does not have access outside of the KPS Network for security reasons. Staff - Kentwood Public Schools Staff Staff Quick Links We are proud to have you as part of the Kentwood Public Schools family! Compensation will be commensurate with experience of the successful candidate and requirements of the position. 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! Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. First Name: Calendar Nutrition Menus ParentVUE/StudentVUE Staff Employment kentwoodbond.com kentwoodbondfwc.com Facebook News & Announcements Chromebook Agreement Staff/Students-Trouble Logging In? The "Old password"field is the current password that has expired Must include 3 out of 4 of the following. You will now have one password for multiple accounts. 5820 Eastern Ave. View All. He is a systems thinker and a systems designer. 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. All rights reserved (About Us). In this MLive file photo, Julie Brill talks to her 2nd grade class after visiting with Gov. Zoerhoff, who announced in November he was retiring June 30, was named Kentwoods superintendent in 2013. Kentwood Public Schools are the heart of the community. Grand Rapids    Sign up now to receive the latest from WKTV! 21: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm. 21: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm. Nkenge Bergan, director of student services for Kalamazoo Public Schools. Positive relationships and high expectations:Positive relationships provide the support needed to overcome difficult life circumstances. Kentwood Public Schools; Lowell Area Schools; Northview Public Schools; Rockford Public Schools; . The district announced Wednesday that Zoerhoff would leave June 30, 2021, at the end of . Wyoming, Kent ISD | 2930 Knapp NE | Grand Rapids MI 49525. The Kentwood Board of Education has approved a $204,500 starting salary for incoming superintendent Kevin Polston. GPS Longitude:-85.643473. Polston was hired in 2017 to lead neighboring Godfrey-Lee schools. This diverse environment uniquely prepares our students to be globally competitive in their chosen lifes pursuits after graduation. Report . While there have been some leadership changes at Kentwood Public Schools, some things will not change. 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. Even at the end of my career, that pride of teaching still remains. This district's average testing ranking is 7/10, which is in the top 50% of public schools in Michigan. The superintendent led Godfrey-Lee Public Schools through a tumultuous school year amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. 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. 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. 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. City of Kentwood meetings are available by clickinghere. We are committed to excellence, equity, and diversity in education. The Board of Education selected as finalists: Kevin Polston, currently superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools. Parents allow us to work with their most precious gift - and we are thankful for their confidence and support. Both will report directly to new Superintendent Kevin Polston, according to an announcement from the district. As an educator, I have always believed that positive relationships, active listening, empathy and a growth mindset lead to long term success. 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. Search string may not be null or blank. Grand Rapids Community College    Links to organizations and articles to aid in dealing with trauma. 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. 318 followers 314 connections. 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. Positive relationships provide the strength to meet high expectations and tackle what feels like the impossible. Nkenge Bergan, director of student services for Kalamazoo Public Schools. 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. Search Timeline. Many students at Godfrey-Lee, and across Michigan, struggle with remote learning challenges due to unreliable internet connect. We are a thriving global community, a vibrant example of different perspectives and traditions growing and excelling together. Instead of 11111, use your employee ID#. Polston, who is currently the superintendent for Godfrey-Lee Public Schools in Wyoming, has been an educator for almost two decades. Social distancing guidelines will be followed and there will be limited options for in-person seating. 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. 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 Kenowa Hills    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 Two finalists will interview for superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools Wednesday, May 5. KENTWOOD, Mich. Kentwood Public Schools (KPS) will be tightening security at Thursday's East Kentwood High School graduation. 27: Wyoming Millage Informational Meeting, Wyoming Police Station, 7 pm. Mar. Kentwood Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff. 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 website (kentwoodps.org) will have viewing instructions and more information. This link will go live at approximately 5:45 p.m. the day of the interviews. Kent ISD's New Strategic Plan Learn more about LEAD, Kent ISD's new strategic plan, and our updated Vision, Mission and Values. As a district, in partnership with our community, we will continue to provide an education of excellence to every Kentwood student. Our goal is for each student to master and apply the essential skills to be a successful, productive citizen. Kentwood Public Schools is the most diverse district in the state, which is part of what makes it so special, . . We are a "no-excuse" district. Godfrey-Lee    24: Kentwood City Commission Meeting, 7 pm, Apr. In February, Polston was appointed by Gov. Last year he served as a member of Gov. Assistant Director of Executive Search Services, Michigan Association of School Boards, at 517.327.5928 or jbennett@masb.org. We will continue to consistently emphasize: 1. Superintendent; Service Catalog; Pupil Membership Services; School Board. 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. He will interview at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Rewarding every student's achievement in a nurturing environment is important to us. 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. Our families are an integral and valued part of the education of our students. Grand Rapids    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. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. She is an award-winning journalist who got her start as the education reporter for the Grand Haven Tribune. He also was a teacher, coach, principal, and assistant principal in the district. A Calvin University graduate, she later returned to Calvin to help manage its national writing festival. Budget and Salary/Compensation Transparency Reporting, Tips for Parents and Staff When Dealing with Trauma. Copyright 2023 WKTV, All rights reserved. Polston has served as superintendent of Godfrey-Lee schools since 2017. Search Form Quick Search: Search. 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. Your Active Directory password may haveexpired and/or needs to be changed. The. (Cory Morse | MLive.com)Cory Morse | MLive.com. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Central to this effort is our commitment to help students develop a growth mindset that reflects high expectations. Follow us on Facebook; Follow us on Twitter/span> . 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. 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. Join to connect 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. Kevin Polston, currently superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools. I am so excited to join our diverse global Kentwood community. From home, please follow these instructions: Go to https://sso.kentwoodps.org/adfs/portal/updatepassword.