ZEELAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) - Gary Feenstra served as Zeeland's school superintendent for 18 years. His successor lasted half of that span in that post. .
West Ottawa chooses Detroit-area educator as new Superintendent By Gary Stevens
Jan 22, 2021 7:11 AM
HOLLAND TWP., MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – One of three area school districts seeking a new operational leader has apparently filled that vacancy.
The West Ottawa Board of Education, during a special meeting Wednesday, voted unanimously to extend a contract offer to Timothy Bearden for being the district’s next superintendent. The Chief Academic Officer of Detroit County Day School in the Detroit suburb of Bloomfield Hills was chosen ahead of Anne Armstrong, the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources with Hudsonville Public Schools.
Both finalists, who emerged from 28 candidates who applied when Tom Martin announced his retirement in August after nine years at the post, toured the district and had final virtual public interviews on Tuesday. “The Board of Education reconvened on Wednesday to deliberate over both candidates,” said Board President Kate McCoy in a letter t
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.
Two Finalists Emerge in West Ottawa School Chief Search By Gary Stevens
Jan 15, 2021 6:55 AM
HOLLAND TWP., MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – The search for a new operational leader of a Lakeshore school district is now down to two.
Earlier this week, after a series of virtual interviews with five finalists for the vacant Superintendent’s post, the West Ottawa Board of Education narrowed the field to Anne Armstrong, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources with Hudsonville schools, and Timothy Bearden, the Chief Academic Officer with Detroit County Day School in suburban Detroit.
West Ottawa has been looking for a new chief since Tom Martin announced his retirement in August, effective at the end of 2020, after nine years. The board on Tuesday tabbed Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Jeff Malloch as interim superintendent until a new permanent leader is named.