On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, visiting our studio is Wyoming Public Schools new Superintendent Craig Hoekstra, talking about his history and the future of his district, including what the district plans following the recent passage of a bond measure. Also on the show is the Kent County Friend of the Court, which works with the Circuit Court in the area of domestic relations but which has duties that are moving beyond simply investigation and enforcement.
Superintendent Hoekstra began his current duties in July of this year, but his history with Wyoming Public Schools runs deep, almost 30 years in fact. First as a student, then as a custodian, teacher, principal and, from 2015, as Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services. But we talk more about his and the district’s future than his past.
The Kent County Friend of the Court is the collection, enforcement and investigative arm of the Circuit Court in the area of domestic relations. We talk Daniel Fojtik, Friend of the Court Director, and Kent County Commissioner Harold Voorhees, on the FOC and its duties, as well as a recent report on the status of a series of Community Engagement Task Force Recommendations.
“WKTV Journal In Focus” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
Craig Hoekstra has the opportunity to lead major investment in the district where he grew up, serving generations of Wolves to come.
It’s a job the new superintendent embraces.
Hoekstra, who began the position July 1, will be involved in planning the $40 million Wyoming High School renovation and addition from concept to fruition. Funding for the project comes from the bond proposal, which passed last November, a huge victory for the more than 4,000-student district after bond requests failed twice in previous years. He replaces longtime Superintendent Thomas Reeder.
While construction on the renovation, which includes a two-story, 30-classroom addition, won’t begin until next summer, Hoekstra is eyeing the future with optimism.
“It’s phenomenal,” he said. “There’s a lot of excitement and thankfulness because the community supported the bond. Now it’s our responsibility to be thoughtful, forward-thinking and do our research and homework.
“It’s our opportunity to significantly impact Wyoming Public Schools well into the future.”
Wyoming native and former assistant superintendent Craig Hoekstra started as Wyoming Public Schools superintendent July 1
‘Maximize Each and Every Opportunity’
Hoekstra is a familiar face in Wyoming, beginning with his student days.
He graduated in 1990 from the former Wyoming Park High School and worked as a district custodian for six years. He was Oriole Park Elementary School principal for two years and Gladiola Elementary principal for three, when he also worked as state and federal grants director. He also taught second grade at Hamilton Elementary School and served as a principal there for three years.
He reflected on his path to becoming an educator who now heads an entire district.
It began when Hoekstra decided to pursue an education degree after working as a linen and uniform delivery driver.
“As a student, I enjoyed school, but wished that I would have applied myself more,” he admitted. “In becoming an educator as a non-traditional student, a driving force for me was to assist and encourage students to maximize each and every opportunity in front of them. One of my goals is to instill in them hope and provide support that they can do anything in life they set their mind to.”
Hoekstra is a prime example of how goal-setting and working hard can pay off.
“My whole motto is: dream big, work hard and make it happen. Things are always going to be challenges in front of us, but with perseverance, support and that ‘never give up’ attitude, anything is possible.”
Along with planning bond projects to take shape in the district over the next seven years, Hoekstra is working with teachers and teams of instructional coaches in math, science, reading and English as a Second Language to best serve students with effective teaching strategies.
Gladiola Elementary School second-graders Brooklynn Weenum, left, and Sophia Dykstra show Superintendent Craig Hoekstra a dance game after school
The Power of Being Present
A superintendent’s most important role, he said, “would be ensuring the safety of students and empowering kids to achieve goals that they don’t realize are attainable at every development level, with us and beyond us.”
Another goal of Hoekstra’s is to make people feel heard and appreciated. He said he has learned a lot from young people over the years, and one of the biggest lessons has been to be present.
“As busy as people are, we need to be in the moment, celebrate the moment, make the most of every moment,” he said. “What I have learned from working with students and people in general is that when you are with them they are the most important person at that time. If we are distracted, that opportunity we have with them might be lost. If people feel like they are truly cared about and supported, that’s where strong relationships not only start but are maintained over time.”
Whether planning for updated buildings or putting a laser-like focus on curriculum, Hoekstra doesn’t take the job of heading the Wolf Pack lightly.
“To be an educator is an absolute privilege, to not only touch the minds of youths, but also their hearts,” he said.
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“Dream big, work hard and make it happen”: That’s the mantra of Craig Hoekstra, a familiar face in the district, who this week was selected as the new superintendent.
Hoekstra is an example of turning that philosophy into reality. After deciding to leave his job as a linen delivery driver to pursue college, the 1990 Wyoming Park High School graduate worked as a night custodian at the former Newhall Junior High. He also took classes to get his associate’s degree at Grand Rapids Community College. From there he worked up the ranks as an educator and administrator, most recently as Wyoming’s associate superintendent for instructional services.
He knows his background resonates with the young people he encourages to aim high.
“It goes to that life lesson of how if we persevere we can achieve everything we have in front of us,” Hoekstra said.
Hoekstra is set to begin in his new role July 1, following Superintendent Thomas Reeder, who announced his retirement last month after serving in the position for seven years.
Hoekstra was interviewed by the Board of Education last week in an open meeting before an audience of staff, administrators parents and community members. The board did not conduct a superintendent search, but considered internal candidates. Hoekstra was the only applicant interviewed.
Hoekstra turned his days of studying all day and working all night into a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, and eventually a master’s degree in educational leadership from Grand Valley State University.
He then began his career in education, starting as a second-grade teacher for Hamilton Public Schools, then serving as principal at three elementary schools before being promoted to assistant superintendent for instructional services in 2015.
He then served as a second-grade teacher at Hamilton Elementary School, in Hamilton Public Schools, for five years; principal at Oriole Park Elementary School, in Wyoming for two years; principal at Hamilton Elementary where he also working as kindergarten-through-fifth grade curriculum director for three years; and principal at Gladiola Elementary, where he was also put in charge of district grants, from 2012 until he was promoted to assistant superintendent for Instructional Services in 2015.
“Every move I’ve made, I’ve been fortunate to have been able to grow my skill set,” he said.
It’s an exciting time to take the district’s head job, as plans for a major high school renovation and investing in district facilities over the next seven years take shape.
“I’m very excited on many ends with all the great things coming up,” said Hoekstra, who credited Reeder for “amazing leadership” during his tenure, which included consolidating schools and creating new community.
“Because of what (Reeder) was able to do to bring the district together, to carry on after him is an absolute honor,” Hoekstra said.
In a press release, Board of Education President Craig Popma said the district and community are fortunate to have Hoekstra take the reins.
“To have Craig’s dedication, drive and passion for our community will provide great leadership for many years to come,” he said. ”I am excited to begin this new chapter, working closely with Craig and driving Wyoming to our next positive chapter.”
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