Superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools

Kentwood Public Schools continues to be an innovative, global community where relationships and excellence matter. Our teachers and staff members challenge students every day to excel academically, in the arts and on the athletic fields. We believe in partnering with parents and the community to educate all students in a safe and secure environment.

Kentwood Public Schools is an award winning school district and we take pride in our accomplishments. Our goal is for each student to master and apply the essential skills needed to be a successful and globally competitive citizen.

• Over the last ten years, Kentwood Public Schools is home to nineteen "Beating the Odds" schools and eight "Reward Schools" as defined by the Michigan Department of Education.   
• The Flippen Group (out of Texas) has awarded 14 Capturing Kids Hearts National Showcase Schools to Kentwood Public Schools.
• Niche ranked KPS the most diverse district in the State of Michigan and the sixth most diverse in the nation.
• In 2020, Discovery Elementary was named a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence from the US Department of Education.
• East Kentwood High School is a North Centrally Accredited school, which offers over 209 courses and 18 Advanced Placement classes for all interested students.
• Our robust foreign language program includes Latin, German, Spanish, and French.
• In the last two years, our East Kentwood senior classes has earned over $10 million dollars in academic scholarships.
• Our academic teams such as “We the People” and Debate have won over 14 State Championships and finished in the top 10 nationally six times.
• East Kentwood’s Residential Construction Program has built and sold houses every year for decades.
• Kentwood Public Schools is one of the only school districts with a 3^rd through 8^th grade self-contained Gifted and Talented Program in the State.

 Excellence in the Fine Arts and Athletics

• It is common to see our student and staff art work in the Grand Rapids Art Prize. We even have our own art gallery on site at East Kentwood High School.
• Our exceptional bands, orchestras and choirs regularly receive Division I ratings at state competitions.
• Our drama, theatrical and musical performances provide exceptional learning experiences for our students and quality entertainment for our community.
• Kentwood Public Schools offers 29 varsity sports and 12 middle school sports.
• East Kentwood athletic teams have won over 225 O.K. Red Championships, 24 State Championships and 22 times runner up.

Fiscal Responsibility

• Kentwood is a city that values it responsibility to its tax payers.
• Kentwood Public Schools has AA bond rating through Standard and Poor’s.
• The Kentwood debt tax levy is the lowest of Kent County schools. Our annual debt levy is below the average of the State of Michigan for comparably sized districts.
• Kentwood operates annually on a balanced budget as designated by the Board of Education and we consistently maintain a fund balance above the minimum state requirement.

Outstanding Facilities

• Kentwood Public Schools’ facilities are second to none.
• The Kentwood Aquatics Center offers one of the few zero entry warm water pools, which is ideal for senior citizens and therapeutic exercise.
• East Kentwood High School is the only public school in Michigan with an ice arena.
• Our District’s athletic facilities have hosted the Michigan finals in soccer, track and field and the state semi-finals in football.
• The Kentwood Fine Arts Auditorium is a regular hub for school and community concerts.
• There are over 10,000 computers used for education in our district. All schools have wireless network access and instructional collaboration centers.
• We offer some of the best opportunities for athletes to train and compete at excellent facilities and fields.
• There is a strong partnership with the community and we take great pride in hosting various community events at our facilities.

District Data

• Enrollment - 9,245
• Teachers - 560
• Administrators - 40
• Counselors/social workers - 31
• Paraprofessionals - 176
• Office Staff - 68
• Support Staff/Other Staff - 59
• Other staff - 567
• School buildings – 17
• Foundation grant per pupil- $ 8,111
• Annual operating budget

Revenue $110,555,222

Expense $113,550,092

• Projected fund balance

$10,243,510 - 9.3%

• Tax Base (SEV) - 2,282,331,197
• Non-Homestead Levy - 18
• Debt Retirement - 4.25

Board of Education

Mimi Madden, President
Allen Young, Vice President
Pete Battey, Treasurer
Angie Forton, Secretary

Angela Hovermale, Trustee
Sylvia James, Trustee
James Lewis, Trustee

 Salary and Contract Information

The Board will offer a comprehensive, multi-year contract. Compensation will be commensurate with experience of the successful candidate and requirements of the position. A preliminary salary range of $180,000 to $220,000 has been established.

Application Procedure

Interested candidates should complete and submit an online application found at https://masb.myrevelus.com/client/search/30.

Completed online applications must be submitted no later than 4:00 pm on April 6, 2021. No “hard copy,” fax or emailed copies accepted. IF requested by the candidate, materials will be treated confidentially through the screening process. Candidate names will become public at the time an interview is scheduled.

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.

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