Zeeland Public Schools has chosen a new superintendent.
After a second round of interviews, the ZPS School Board voted unanimously to enter contract negotiations with Rod Hetherton, the current superintendent at Swartz Creek Community Schools, for the role.
Hetherton was one of two finalists, alongside Hamilton Community Schools Superintendent Brad Lusk. They both participated in a community open house and second interviews June 19.
Pending successful negotiation of a contract, Hetherton is expected to start in Zeeland on July 7.
“We are thrilled to have Mr. Hetherton join Zeeland Public Schools as our next superintendent,” School Board President Rick Dernberger wrote in an email to The Sentinel. “Rod will do a great job leading ZPS to continued academic excellence through instructional leadership and cultivating meaningful partnerships with the community. I believe he will fit right into Zeeland.”
Hetherton has been superintendent at Swartz Creek since 2022. He was previously an assistant superintendent, principal and assistant principal in the district. Heatherton also spent time teaching and coaching in Flushing and Fenton, and as an assistant principal at Lansing Waverly.
Hetherton earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Michigan – Flint. He later earned an education specialist degree from Oakland University.
Zeeland formally began a superintendent search in April after consultation with previous superintendent Brandi-Lyn Mendham, who has been on medical leave since October.
Matt Stolz, previously an assistant superintendent at ZPS, served as interim superintendent for six months before accepting a job with West Ottawa Public Schools.
Scott Korpak, a retired educator and superintendent, has been serving as interim superintendent since May 5. In a district communication, ZPS wrote Korpak’s “leadership and steady presence during this transition have been deeply appreciated.”
— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Zeeland Public Schools has chosen a new superintendent. Here’s who officials tapped
Reporting by Mitchell Boatman, Holland Sentinel / The Holland Sentinel
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