KNIGHT SUPERINTENDENT
Search 2026

Knight Superintendent Search 2026

For questions and more information, contact Julie Lanka, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, Email: jlanka@khps.org

The KHPS Board of Education has enlisted the Michigan Leadership Institute (MLI) to conduct a search for the next Superintendent. There will be several opportunities for valuable district stakeholder input in the process, and we'll update this page with information as it becomes available.

STAKEHOLDER INPUT

Superintendent Search Community Survey: Please take a few moments to participate in a three-question survey designed to help us create a framework for our search.

FOCUS GROUPS

On February 17 and 19, there will be an opportunity for engagement through focus groups. The purpose of these focus groups is to gather information from a wide variety of stakeholders on the qualities, characteristics, background, and experiences desired for the next Superintendent of Kenowa Hills. The Board of Education thanks you in advance for your contribution to this important process.

Staff & Community Focus Group Opportunities:

Elementary StaffFeb 174:00 pmAlpine Cafeteria
Transportation StaffFeb 199:00 amBus Garage
Secondary StaffFeb 193:15 pmMiddle School Room #17 (Mr. Levitt's Classroom)
Union Reps & Additional StaffFeb 194:00 pmMiddle School Room #17 (Mr. Levitt's Classroom)
KHPS Parents/FamiliesFeb 175:00 pmHigh School Commons
KHPS DPAT, PTO, Family Council, MSPGFeb 1910:00 amAdmin Building
KHEF, KHIMB, Athletic BoostersFeb 191:30 pmAdmin Building
All Community MembersFeb 176:00 pmHigh School Commons
Local Business OwnersFeb 192:30 pmAdmin Building
Walker Hope Collaborative, otherFeb 196:00 pmMiddle School LGI

*The format for all Focus Groups will be similarly structured. Though time has been allotted for specific groups, feel free to attend a focus group that fits your schedule.

SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH TIMELINE & INFORMATION

February 10, 2026

Feb 10 - Feb 22Input Gathered via Website from Public (survey link)
Feb 13Initial Superintendent of School Posting Posted
Feb 17 and 19Focus Group Meetings for Input to Develop Profile
Feb 27Superintendent of School Position Profile added to Posting
April 3Posting closes at 4:00 pm
Week of April 13

Special Board Meeting - Presentation of Candidates to Board - 6:00 pm

  • Selection of 4 to 6 candidates to be interviewed
  • Preparation for Interviews
  • Finalize Questions for First Round 
Week of April 27

First Round Interviews – Time TBD 

  • Selection of 2 to 3 finalists to be interviewed 
Week of May 11

Final Interviews – Time TBD 

  • Selection of Candidate/Enter into Contract Negotiations 
May/June BoE MeetingFormally Hire new Superintendent (post contract negotiation) 
July 1 New Superintendent Begins Duties 

BOARD OF EDUCATION

OUR COMMUNITY

Kenowa Hills Public Schools is located on the northwest side of the Greater Grand Rapids region, serving portions of Alpine Township, the Village of Comstock Park, and the City of Walker in Kent County, along with portions of Tallmadge and Wright Townships in Ottawa County. The district sits within one of Michigan’s most vibrant growth corridors—anchored by Grand Rapids (population 200,117) and Kent County (population 673,002) —with convenient access to major highways, regional healthcare and manufacturing employers, and the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. The area offers a strong mix of suburban neighborhoods and natural amenities, plus nearby higher-education partners such as Grand Valley State University and Calvin University, helping support an educated workforce and a community that values opportunity, family life, and quality schools.

OUR DISTRICT

Kenowa Hills is more than a school; we are a community, one that supports students and families alike. We value, support, and empower all learners to achieve their full potential. are here to create meaningful learning opportunities for every student, every day.

Kenowa Hills Public Schools serves just under 3,000 students in grades PreK–12 in the northwest Grand Rapids area. The district includes an Early Childhood Center, three award-winning elementary schools (Alpine, Central, and Zinser), Kenowa Hills Middle School, and Kenowa Hills High School—along with additional learning options such as Knights STEM Academy and alternative/innovative pathways like Pathways High School and Link Learning to support different student goals. Kenowa Hills emphasizes personalized learning (often described through a “Personal Mastery” approach) and offers strong extracurricular and athletics opportunities that build school pride and belonging. 

KHPS POINTS OF PRIDE

  • High expectations of academic excellence in a student-centered, personalized learning environment
  • Three award-winning elementary schools
  • Free and tuition-based preschool programs
  • In-district child care, including before and after school care
  • Supportive community that passed the recent bond proposal to provide the next decade of district improvements including ongoing improvements to athletic fields and outdoor learning spaces. Visit KenowaHillsBond.com.
  • Multi-year recipient of the Advanced Placement Honor Roll
  • STEM for every elementary student and the Knights STEM Academy, which offers hands-on learning for both high school and middle school students
  • Partnership with GRCC to provide a Middle College Program
  • Exceptional fine arts program and facility showcasing orchestra, drama, jazz band, percussion ensemble, and choral
  • Outstanding extracurricular and athletic offerings, including debate, forensics, ice hockey, gymnastics, equestrian, swimming, volleyball, football, and track & field
  • Exceptionally well-rounded and caring students
  • Dedicated and supportive parents
  • Exemplary staff devoted to student success

Layer9

SCHEDULE A SCHOOL TOUR

CALL 616-784-2511 OPT.2
VALUE. SUPPORT. EMPOWER. | EVERY STUDENT, EVERY DAY.
KEEPING
STUDENTS SAFE

Nothing is more precious than your children. Find out how we work to ensure students feel safe, valued, and that they belong.

Safety and Security Commitment to Anti-Bullying Creating Inclusive Environments Safety Drills
FOR YOUR
CONVENIENCE

Life is busy. At Kenowa Hills, we partner with families to make life easier.

TRANSPORTATION BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE
PERSONALIZED
LEARNING

Our Personal Mastery educational experience has redefined education and has gained attention around the state and nation. Personal Mastery provides your child with personalized attention from teachers. Instead of teaching to a broad group of students without an understanding of their individual strengths and weaknesses, Personal Mastery allows teachers to interact with students individually or in small groups to help them better address their weaknesses. In this way, we strive to help your child reach their full potential.

PERSONAL MASTERY SPECIAL EDUCATION ENGLISH LEARNERS TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM
KNIGHT PRIDE
ATHLETICS

At the home of the Knights, athletic programs are a vital part of building character, drive, commitment, and teamwork for our student athletes.

UP-TO-DATE SPORTS INFO ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT YOUTH SPORTS Athletic Boosters
IT'S A WORK
OF ART

The arts build pride and community at Kenowa Hills. From our Marching Knights to musical performances at our Performing Arts Center, we believe the student experience really is a work of art.

FINE ART PROGRAMS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER