Kentwood — Staff and community members can weigh in on what qualities, experiences and skills they’d like to see in their next superintendent by taking a survey.
The board of education is being assisted in its superintendent search by the Michigan Association of School Boards, which is conducting the anonymous survey on behalf of the district. It takes about 10 minutes to complete. The goal is to have a new superintendent start by July 1.
“It is very important that we engage the community in this decision. That is why we are seeking input from all stakeholders involved in our district,” said Board President Mimi Madden. “We value the diverse ideas of our parents, community, staff and students to help us come to a collaborative decision on what we want in our new superintendent. Working together will ensure everyone has a voice in helping us find the best candidate for Kentwood Public Schools.”
In November, Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff announced his plans to retire at the end of the school year. He has served as superintendent since 2013, and has worked in Kentwood Public Schools for 33 years.
To plan for Zoerhoff’s replacement, the district is hosting a virtual stakeholder input for administrators, teaching staff, support staff, union leaders, parents and community members. Parents of East Kentwood High School and Freshman Center and middle school students and community members can participate at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25 on Zoom at this link or by calling 646-876-9923.
Parents of elementary school students and community members can participate at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 2 on Zoom at this link or by calling 646-876-9923.
A virtual board workshop will take place March 22 to report stakeholder input and develop selection criteria. Another workshop is planned for April 19 when the board will develop interview questions and select candidates.
First-round interviews of potentially five to seven candidates are planned Wednesday and Thursday, April 28 and 29 with final interviews planned May 5.
