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Profiles of Students, Staff, Teachers

New center programs director says return ‘feels like coming home’

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Building on two decades of experience with GRPS, the new director returns to where her career began in order to advance programming for students with complex needs.

New principal seeks to provide a ‘phenomenal educational experience’

Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

Tamika Henry is the new principal of Grand Rapids Public Museum High School.

New elementary principal ‘honored’ to lead

Sparta Riley Kelley

Kelley VanVliet is the new principal of Ridgeview Elementary.

Family continues legacy of giving back through Poppy’s Closet

Wyoming Erin Albanese

A family of Wyoming Public Schools alumni operate a giving closet out of Wyoming High School, providing free resources district-wide.

District expands leadership team

Forest Hills Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Forest Hills Public Schools has filled several administrative positions for the 2025–26 school year, including roles in human resources, student services and school leadership.

Right where she wants to be

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Karen Baum has her dream job: principal at West Godwin Elementary.

She learns from her students to celebrate simple things

Forest Hills Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

This Pine Ridge kindergarten teacher says her job is fulfilling and rewarding some 34 years and counting.

Principal sees new role as ‘the best of both worlds’

Rockford Riley Kelley

Ricky Clark is the new principal of Rockford High School.

‘For me, education was not a luxury; it was a lifeline’

Kentwood Erin Albanese

Mulonge Kalumbula, the new East Kentwood Freshman Campus assistant principal, is a refugee from Congo who often shares his story.

District welcomes new directors to leadership team

Cedar Springs Riley Kelley

SNN gets to know the new directors on Cedar Springs’ administrative team.

New elementary admins ‘cherish’ culture of building, district

Sparta Riley Kelley

Sparta’s Appleview Elementary has a new principal in Beth Lehner, and a new assistant principal in Riley Kuzniewski.

With back-to-school gift, ‘no child has to feel left out’

Grandville Beth Heinen Bell

A big purchase by Central Elementary’s PTC made back-to-school shopping a lot easier for school families.

From hallways to helm: new superintendent starts first year

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

The new district superintendent aims to foster an environment where both students and staff can thrive and grow.

Elementary principal heads to West Middle

Byron Center Alexis Stark

Marshall Elementary Principal Kris Vydareny will be transitioning to the same role at West Middle School this fall.

Former principal now heading district-wide instruction

Lowell Erin Albanese

Steve Gough has moved from his position as Lowell High School principal to district director of teaching and learning.

On putting in ‘the real work’ & making a mean guacamole

Kelloggsville Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

SNN talks to the new principal at West Kelloggsville Elementary.

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School News Network reports on the 20 public school districts in Kent ISD, which enroll more than 102,000 students. Founded in 2013 as an initiative of Kent ISD, we are supported by local districts and community sponsors, and powered by an experienced team of reporters, editors and multimedia journalists. We specialize in covering classroom teaching and learning, analyzing the many issues facing students and highlighting the education magic that happens each day in our public schools.

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