By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
The Zeeland Public Schools Board of Education has decided to search for a new superintendent, while its present superintendent remains on medical leave.
Meanwhile, the person who has served as ZPS interim superintendent for the past six months has accepted a position with a neighboring school district.
At a special board meeting April 1, the board voted 6-0 to bring on an experienced search firm to assist the district in its search process.
Trustee Heidi Geerlings made the motion for the district to contact Rod Green of the Michigan Association of School Boards to inquire of his availability to conduct the superintendent search, seconded by Vice President Rick Dernberger. Green confirmed his availability the next day.
Dr. Brandi-Lyn Mendham, who has been ZPS superintendent since July 2021, went on leave last October for medical reasons.
In a statement posted on the district’s website, board President April DeWitt called the board’s action “an important step toward planning for the 2025-26 school year,” even as the district continues to support Mendham during her medical leave.
“This decision, made in collaboration with Dr. Mendham, reflects a desire to explore various perspectives while ensuring the best possible leadership for our students, staff and families,” DeWitt said.
DeWitt said that the district continues to “communicate closely” with Mendham.
“If she is able to return, she and the board will work together to determine what that might look like,” DeWitt said.
Meanwhile, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Curriculum Matt Stolz, who has served as interim superintendent of ZPS during Mendham’s leave, will leave the district later this month.
Stolz, who has been with ZPS since August 2021, has accepted a position as assistant superintendent for human resources and wellness at West Ottawa Public Schools, according to a post on West Ottawa’s X social media account April 3.
“His leadership has been a steadying force and has laid a strong foundation for the work ahead,” DeWitt said of Stolz.
Under a search timeline outlined by Stolz to the board at the April 1 meeting, the board would interview candidates and make a hiring decision next month, with the new superintendent beginning their duties July 1.
“We are committed to ensuring a clear, collaborative process that reflects our district’s values and commitment to strong leadership,” DeWitt said.
Zeeland Record
The Zeeland Public Schools Board of Education has decided to search for a new superintendent, while its present superintendent remains on medical leave.
Meanwhile, the person who has served as ZPS interim superintendent for the past six months has accepted a position with a neighboring school district.
At a special board meeting April 1, the board voted 6-0 to bring on an experienced search firm to assist the district in its search process.
Trustee Heidi Geerlings made the motion for the district to contact Rod Green of the Michigan Association of School Boards to inquire of his availability to conduct the superintendent search, seconded by Vice President Rick Dernberger. Green confirmed his availability the next day.
Dr. Brandi-Lyn Mendham, who has been ZPS superintendent since July 2021, went on leave last October for medical reasons.
In a statement posted on the district’s website, board President April DeWitt called the board’s action “an important step toward planning for the 2025-26 school year,” even as the district continues to support Mendham during her medical leave.
“This decision, made in collaboration with Dr. Mendham, reflects a desire to explore various perspectives while ensuring the best possible leadership for our students, staff and families,” DeWitt said.
DeWitt said that the district continues to “communicate closely” with Mendham.
“If she is able to return, she and the board will work together to determine what that might look like,” DeWitt said.
Meanwhile, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Curriculum Matt Stolz, who has served as interim superintendent of ZPS during Mendham’s leave, will leave the district later this month.
Stolz, who has been with ZPS since August 2021, has accepted a position as assistant superintendent for human resources and wellness at West Ottawa Public Schools, according to a post on West Ottawa’s X social media account April 3.
“His leadership has been a steadying force and has laid a strong foundation for the work ahead,” DeWitt said of Stolz.
Under a search timeline outlined by Stolz to the board at the April 1 meeting, the board would interview candidates and make a hiring decision next month, with the new superintendent beginning their duties July 1.
“We are committed to ensuring a clear, collaborative process that reflects our district’s values and commitment to strong leadership,” DeWitt said.
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