Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Campaign Phone
(616)403-5610
I bring experience in public-sector financial leadership, accountability, and stewardship of public resources. In my role as Financial Manager at Ottawa County Community Mental Health, I work with budgets that are affected by changing enrollment or population counts, public expectations, and the need for responsible long-term planning. That experience has prepared me to approach school board policy with transparency, fiscal responsibility, and a focus on the people served by those decisions. I also bring a collaborative leadership style, strong communication skills, and the ability to listen to different perspectives and find common ground.
I believe the top challenges facing Zeeland Public Schools include enrollment trends, leadership stability, teacher recruitment and retention, and maintaining strong trust with families and the broader community. Because school funding is directly connected to the number of students enrolled, changes in student count can create real budget challenges. To meet these challenges, I would support steady leadership, clear communication, careful financial planning, and a school culture where teachers feel valued and students and families feel welcomed. I believe families choose schools where they see stability, strong academics, supported educators, and a genuine sense of belonging.
I would interact with the community by listening first, communicating clearly, and remaining approachable. Families, educators, students, and community members all deserve to feel heard and respected. I believe effective board service requires asking thoughtful questions, seeking common ground, and staying focused on what is best for students. Zeeland is a community that shows up for its schools, and I would work to strengthen that partnership by being transparent, available, and committed to serving with integrity.
Age
40
Candidate Information
Incumbent
I have served on the Zeeland Public Schools Board since December 2022, when I was appointed to fill a vacancy created by a resignation. In 2024, I was re-elected to continue serving in that partial-term position.
Our responsibilities are to govern the school at a high level through policy setting, adopting budgets, setting district goals, and evaluating the Superintendent.
I have been on the Finance Committee since joining the board. My background is in public accounting and I hold a CPA license. Understanding financial statements and grants is important to fully comprehend the district finances. Because we are running in a deficit, there has been a lot of engagement to understand our reality and make the best decisions for the future.
Enrollment has been declining statewide due to aging population and declining birthrate. Students coming to our district for school of choice have remained steady as have the number of students who are leaving our district for other options. It will be important to differentiate ourselves but retain high-quality programs.
This past year has brought a lot of changes for the district, including programming changes and budget cuts. The board has been focused on working with the Superintendent to identify areas for growth as well as set goals that support the entire district. I believe this work is vital for our district to continue to build trust and transparency and to navigate the challenges the district faces.
I have 2 kids in the district, one at Cityside and one at Creekside (yes, we are a split house! Go Dux! Go Chix!). We have also hosted a high school foreign exchange student each of the last 4 years. Having kids in the district allows me to stay connected and engaged with curriculum, extracurriculars, and to the community.
The board serves all students and families, thus it is important to always consider the full district and listen to all perspectives. I value conversations from any student or family in the district and want to make sure all needs are met. I am always available by email which you can find through the ZPS board website.
I would be honored to serve another term if I am re-elected. Thank you for the opportunity.
Campaign Phone
(616)283-6313
Age
45
Candidate Information
Longtime community member, parent, and government banking professional with 27 years of experience. Active in local community organizations and passionate about supporting students, educators, strong schools, and responsible financial stewardship.
While I am eager to learn more about setting policy specifically for a school district, my experiences as a parent and in the workplace have helped prepare me for this role. I’ve been a ZPS parent for 11 years, currently with children at three different schools. My 27-year banking career has given me extensive experience working with local governments, schools, and nonprofits, with a strong understanding of financial stewardship, risk management, and responsible decision-making. I also serve as Vice President of the CDS Lakeshore Head Start Board, helping provide guidance on issues impacting children and families. These experiences have strengthened my ability to listen, collaborate, evaluate information, and make thoughtful decisions.
One of the top challenges facing ZPS is declining enrollment and addressing it will require understanding of the factors contributing to the decline while continuing to strengthen what makes ZPS an excellent choice for families. I do not have all the data needed to fully understand the factors contributing to ZPS’s enrollment decline. Enrollment can be influenced by employment, housing availability and affordability, school of choice, and changing family circumstances. The pandemic also led families to reevaluate educational options. Moving forward, ZPS should listen to families, provide meaningful opportunities for involvement, and focus on strong academics, extracurriculars, communication, and a welcoming school community.
As a parent of three children in ZPS, I am already deeply connected to our schools and community. All three of my children are active in extracurricular activities, where I regularly volunteer and support their teams. Beyond ZPS, I serve as a West Coast Chamber Ambassador and on the CDS Lakeshore Head Start Board, volunteer monthly with Harvest Stand Ministries, and am actively involved in my church home, Engedi. As a school board member, I would continue to listen, be visible and accessible, and seek opportunities to engage with students, parents, staff, coaches, local organizations, and community members to better understand their perspectives and needs.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Campaign Phone
3306212389
Age
44
I do not come from a school board or an education career. I am a Data Scientist. My work requires making decisions with incomplete information, weighing tradeoffs, and balancing short term with long term. I have spent my career getting people who see things differently to agree. That is a lot like what a board does when it sets policy.
I understand the board sets policy and hires and supports the superintendent. The day to day of running schools belongs to the people who do that work. I would focus on doing my part well.
We have been in this community for thirteen years and both of my boys are ZPS students. These decisions are personal to me.
I see three challenges. First, enrollment and funding. Enrollment is flat to down while the surrounding area is shrinking, so revenue is under pressure and the district is managing a planned multi year deficit. Second, academics. The share of students below proficiency in math and reading is too high. Third, programs. Specialty programs are a key reason families choose Zeeland and they are at risk without careful planning.
I would meet these with the habits I use at work. I would look at the data, make decisions early rather than late, and focus on multi year planning. I would stay in the board's lane, set policy, and support the superintendent to execute, and communicate with the community about where we are and what we are trying to do.
I want to listen first. I will attend board meetings, talk with parents at events, and keep an open channel for feedback. I will be clear about what the board can and cannot do, and I will explain the reasoning behind decisions. I will not make promises the board cannot keep. My goal is to build trust by being consistent, honest, and available.
