Zeeland School Board will interview 10 candidates for open seat
ZEELAND — Ten candidates will interview next month for an open seat on the Zeeland Public Schools Board of Education.
Trustee Linda Bush’s resignation took effect following a regular meeting Monday, Nov. 13. In a following special meeting, the remaining six board members agreed to interview all 10 applicants for the open seat.
The candidates, in alphabetical order, are Vince Boileau, Christian Glupker, Amy Harbison, Michelle Harris, Tami Mannes, Derrick Muilenburg, Steve Norman, Abby Van Beek, Jessica Volkers and Avril Wiers.
Boileau and Wiers both interviewed for a board vacancy at this time last year.
Interviews will be conducted during a special meeting at 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11. A candidate will be chosen for the seat following the interviews.
Tom DenHerder made the motion to interview each applicant, saying the board didn't establish criteria prior to opening applications. Rick Dernberger supported the motion, which passed 6-0.
“If we had 40 or something, I’d feel differently,” Dernberger said. “I think it’s worth meeting everyone, hearing what they have to say, asking them some questions, having everyone be on as similar a footing as possible.”
DenHerder also suggested sending each applicant the board’s operating procedures to review prior to interviews.
“This is something that structures how this board operates,” he said. “It’s a good onboarding piece, it gives some good opportunity for people to really see what we look at at our level.”
At the end of the board’s regular meeting Monday, board members and Superintendent Brandi-Lyn Mendham expressed their appreciation to Bush for her 15 years serving the district.
“You’ve been such a tremendous board member for so long,” Mendham said. “You’re always so calm and committed to what’s in the best interest of students."
New board members Betsy Kikstra and Heidi Geerlings, appointed in 2021 and 2022, respectively, thanked Bush for welcoming them to the board and helping them “learn the ropes.”
“You’re unwavering, Linda. You’re genuine,” Chad Creevy said. “You’ve been an asset to the school and the community. You will be missed.”
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Bush also spoke, thanking her fellow board members, district leadership, teachers, staff, parents and the community. She said her resignation felt more like a retirement and added the district is in good hands moving forward.
“Having worked with all of you, it’s so apparent that everything we do here is for the students of the district. I appreciate everyone’s heartfelt dedication, high character and professionalism," Bush said. “I also have the utmost confidence in ZPS’ leadership with this board and Superintendent Mendham.”
— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Zeeland School Board will interview 10 candidates for open seat
