Grand Haven, MI (WGHN) – During Grand Haven Area Public Schools’ final school board meeting of the year, outgoing board members, Chris Streng and Christine Baker were honored for their years of dedication and service to the district and the students it serves.
Current GHAPS Board President Chris Streng, served for seven years on the board, receiving recognition as a Level Two Michigan Association of School Boards Award winner during that time.
Christine Baker is departing following 12 years on the board, including recognition as an MASB Level 4 Master Board Member and roles as president, vice president, and secretary over the years.
Superintendent Kristin Perkowski shared a heartfelt thanks with each of the outgoing board members and expressed her confidence in the board’s future. “I am confident that the foundation laid by Chris and Christine will empower our new and returning board members to carry on the mission of our district with passion and innovation,” she said.
In an ongoing effort to celebrate community partnerships that bridge opportunity gaps for students, Grand Haven Area Public Schools announced Grand Haven’s Chamber of Commerce as its November Grand Partner of the Month during last night’s school board meeting.
Chamber President Mark Allen joined Vicki Ellis, Director of Business & Education Connections to highlight several of the ways the Chamber and GHAPS partner to support student learning and career exploration opportunities, including everything from a Little Farmers Market program for elementary students to its annual Boomerang program giving high school students an opportunity to connect with local businesses and learn about future job opportunities.
The Grand Haven Area Public Schools board recently conducted its annual performance evaluation for superintendent Kristin Perkowski. During last night’s board meeting, the board voted unanimously to rate Superintendent Perkowski as “effective,” the highest evaluation rating available following recent changes to the State of Michigan’s rating scale. Michigan’s new scale moved from four rating levels to three with “effective” being the highest rating.
Board President Chris Streng shared, “After a long and thorough search, we were thrilled to bring Kristin Perkowski on board as our new Grand Haven Area Public Schools superintendent. After joining the GHAPS family in July, she wasted no time jumping in and connecting with our staff, students, families, and community. Her authenticity and dedication to building trust from the bottom up have already been felt and appreciated.” He added, “We’re excited to see what the future holds for Grand Haven Area Public Schools with Superintendent Perkowski at the helm, particularly as she spearheads an in-depth strategic planning process that will kick off next month.
Griffin Elementary Principal Alex Harsay and Instructional Coach Kara Endsley provided an update, celebrating the school’s innovative learning opportunities and culture of belonging. Principal Harsay shared that the school has been intentional about building a family-like atmosphere, encouraging students to think creatively through project-based learning experiences, and preparing its fourth graders for the transition to fifth grade at White Pines Intermediate School by collaborating frequently with White Pines students and staff.
Board Vice President Marc Eickholt shared, “I’ve had the unique opportunity of witnessing the staff, the culture, and my own kids continue to grow over the years at Griffin Elementary and I’m incredibly proud of the progress they’ve made.”
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