Grandville — Kendra Johns is the new director of Grandville Community Education, a multifaceted role that sees her working with summer camps, district athletics, year-round adult programs, event registrations, after-school building usage and much more. She says education “has been a big part of my story,” even though she couldn’t have imagined so as a child.
“Growing up, education was not a priority in my family. Because of that — and other life circumstances — I wasn’t the ideal student during my K–12 years,” she said. “Honestly, my younger self never would have believed I’d end up going to college. But I did.”
SNN gets to know Johns better in this edition of Meet Your Administrators.
What does your previous work experience look like? Johns spent the early part of her career working in customer service and business-to-business sales, where she learned the value of networking, marketing and building relationships. She then worked for Davenport University, working her way up to a director role, “helping people make the big decision to continue their educational journey.”
After some time away from the workforce to raise her family’s two children, she became the ultimate parent volunteer at Grand View Elementary, where she ran the sixth-grade yearbook club and taught photography skills for four years.
‘A small investment of time, care and encouragement at the start can grow into a lifelong connection with learning.’
— Community Education Director Kendra Johns
When it was the right time to officially return to work, “I knew Grandville Public Schools was the right place for me,” she said. She started as an administrative assistant at the Grandville Education Center, working with programs including Treehouse Child Care and Pathways, while also serving as the executive director of the Grandville Education Foundation for two years.
When a secretary position opened in the Community Education department, “I knew instantly it was a perfect fit. Over the years, I had taken many Community Ed classes myself, both for fun and as a way to connect with people when I was new to the area. I had even encouraged others to join me as an alternative to just going out to dinner with friends or family. … Two years later, when the director retired, I was given the opportunity to step into this leadership role. It feels like such a natural next step — honestly, I couldn’t be more excited about where this path has led me.”
Education/degrees: Johns started with community college classes and then transferred to Davenport University. There, she earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and later an MBA in strategic management, “with grades I’m really proud of, because I worked hard for them. For me, this journey has been proof that no matter where you start, you really can change your path and take control of your life.”
Why work in education? “In my early 20s, I began to see the people in my educational journey who had left a lasting mark on my life. There was the high school teacher who was tough on me, which I later understood was because he cared and expected more. The high school principal who understood my family dynamics and offered support wherever he could. And the community college professor who guided me toward a career path that truly fit me. Each of them gave me confidence and inspired my desire to do more.
“(I realized) everyone has the power to make a difference in someone’s life. For my youngest child, that person was a kindergarten teacher, Mr. Neff. For my oldest, it was a high school guidance counselor, Mrs. Bloem. When I worked at Davenport University, I loved supporting individuals who were pursuing further education — many of whom I felt personally responsible to help have a rewarding experience.
“My first role at Grandville Public Schools was working with preschool families, many of whom were starting their educational journey for the very first time. My goal was to make that beginning simple, positive and rewarding. These youngest Bulldogs were embarking on a journey I hoped to make fun and exciting, setting the tone for a lifetime of learning. One of my greatest joys now is seeing those same families still engaged — this time enjoying Community Education programs. It’s a reminder that a small investment of time, care and encouragement at the start can grow into a lifelong connection with learning.”
What would you like to share about your family? “Everyone’s journey looks a little different, and I really see that reflected in each member of my family. I couldn’t be prouder! As for my kids, they’re kind, happy, and finding success in their own unique ways. My oldest is in college, pursuing a lifelong goal. My youngest is a Grandville High School student who is preparing for his next adventure.”
What is on your bucket list? Johns says she’s been lucky to already check off several items on her list, most of them involving travel.
“I especially love national parks. That started for me as a kid, when my dad worked at different national parks. A few times I got to live with him there during summer breaks. He passed away before my kids were born, so visiting those same parks with them has been a really special way to bring him closer to their lives.
“One of our all-time favorite trips was driving Route 66. We went from Chicago to LA, stopping at everything along the way. It was such an adventure — quirky stops, amazing scenery, so many little pieces of history. Honestly, it was one of those trips we’ll never forget.”
Anything else that you want to share? Johns said her goal in this new role is to branch out into the Grandville community even further. She’s regularly looking for new ways to engage people of all ages with options that are affordable, accessible and “something different.” She also said community input is always welcome.
Read more from Grandville:
• With back-to-school gift, ‘no child has to feel left out’
• ‘Pack families’ build community, sense of belonging
