Kentwood Public Schools taps nearby district leader Kevin Polston, of Godfrey-Lee, to be next superintendent
Updated May 07, 2021;
Posted May 07, 2021
Kevin Polston, superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, has been selected to take over as the next superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools. (Photo provided to MLive by Kevin Polston)
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KENTWOOD, MI – Kentwood Public Schools has selected Kevin Polston, superintendent of the neighboring school district Godfrey-Lee, to take over as its next leader.
Polston, who has been an educator for almost two decades, will replace retiring superintendent Michael Zoerhoff on July 1, 2021.
The Kentwood Board of Education selected Polston from a pool of six finalist candidates who interviewed for the position in April, according to a school news release. The school board voted to begin contract negotiations with Polston on May 6.
Voters approve $192M Kentwood Public Schools bond to enhance facilities, career tech opportunities
Updated 10:32 PM;
Today 10:32 PM
Kentwood Public Schools requested a $192 million bond on the May 4, 2021 ballot. (MLive file photo)Cory Morse | MLive.com
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KENTWOOD, MI – Voters approved a 30-year, $192 million bond proposal for Kentwood Public Schools Tuesday, May 4, that will provide programs, technology, and facilities for the district’s current and future needs.
The proposal passed 3,739 to 1,776, according to unofficial election results from the Kent County Clerk’s office.
To advance its educational programs, the district plans to update its vocational and career tech learning facilities.
Grand Rapids area hit by wave of school superintendent retirements amid COVID-19
Updated Feb 16, 2021;
Posted Jan 18, 2021
Several superintendents in Kent and Ottawa counties have announced their retirements since the COVID-19 pandemic hit Michigan in March 2020. (MLive File Photo)Cory Morse | MLive.com
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GRAND RAPIDS, MI - More than a half-dozen school districts in Kent and Ottawa counties have had to plan for replacing their longtime superintendents since the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in Michigan last March.
The educators departing are among a growing list of superintendents retiring statewide amid the pandemic. However, the numbers in the Grand Rapids area are notable.
Multiple Michigan school superintendents retire as pandemic lingers
Updated Jan 19, 2021;
Posted Jan 17, 2021
Jefferson Elementary School Principal LeeAnn Stephan directs students as they return to school in Holland on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020. (Cory Morse | MLive.com)
Cory Morse | MLive.com
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The demands on Michigan school superintendents have been enormous during the coronavirus pandemic and multiple retirements have been announced this school year.
School leaders, who have been navigating their districts through extraordinary circumstances, have had to make difficult decisions often under the fierce scrutiny of staff, parents, and their community.
While the pandemic might be pushing some superintendents to retire, some were planning to depart regardless of COVID-19, but acknowledge it has taken its toll and in some cases expedited plans.