Kenowa Hills — After 15 years leading the district, Superintendent Jerry Hopkins will retire at the end of the 2025-26 school year. He announced his decision at the Board of Education meeting on Monday, Jan. 12.
“Believe it or not, I once thought I would never retire,” he told SNN. “I have been blessed to work in three amazing school districts — Grandville, Wyoming and Kenowa Hills — during my career and still love what I am doing. It is the pace and (self-imposed) demands of the position that helped me realize that it is time to retire.”
In his letter to the board, Hopkins reflected on his tenure at Kenowa Hills as the “greatest professional honor of my 32-year career as an educator.”
He expressed gratitude for having a “front seat to observe students grow and learn,” and extended a “heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated, selfless teachers, administrators, and support personnel” and the support of Kenowa Hills families and community members.
His last day in the district will be June 30.
Hopkins said he plans to spend more time with his family in retirement, celebrate his 30th wedding anniversary and dedicate more time to reading, golfing and hunting.
“I am deeply grateful for (my family’s) unwavering support and the sacrifices they made on my behalf,” he said in his letter. “I look forward to being a more present father, husband, brother and son in the years ahead.”
The board will hold a special meeting tonight, Jan. 14, to determine a process for the search for Hopkins’ replacement.
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