Strategic Planning At ZPS
Dear Community,
The Zeeland Public Schools 2023-2028 Strategic Plan is a true reflection of a collaborative effort involving input from our dedicated students, staff, parents, and community members.
Relationships remain at the center of all that we do at ZPS. Our students thrive when they feel safe, valued, loved, and supported by the entire community. This plan underscores our dedication to fostering strong partnerships between students, parents, educators, and the broader community to ensure every student's success throughout their experience at ZPS and beyond.
This Strategic Plan is a living, dynamic guide that includes clear, measurable metrics to help us track our progress along the way. It ensures accountability and transparency as we work towards our shared goals. Thank you for your partnership and investment as we embark on this journey together.
I encourage all members of our community to explore the details of our Strategic Plan for 2023-2028, which is available here website and in printed copies at our school buildings and recreation center.
Thank you for your support of ZPS. With your partnership, we will continue to provide the exceptional education our students deserve, and we will uphold our values of being safe, valued, loved, and learning in all that we do.
With anticipation and optimism,
Dr. Brandi-Lyn Mendham
Superintendent
Introducing Our 2023-2028 Strategic Plan
Strategic Planning Photo Gallery
Press Release
For Immediate Release
April 15, 2022
Contact: Brandy Navetta
Director of Communications and Marketing, Zeeland Public Schools
Contact Phone: 616.748.3078
Contact Email: bnavetta@zps.org
(Zeeland, MI, April 15, 2022) The Zeeland Public Schools Board of Education and the district’s administration are pleased to announce that they will begin the process of creating a strategic plan to prioritize goals to be implemented in Zeeland Public Schools over the next three to five years.
ZPS has chosen to embark on this planning process to set a direction for the district that is built around the collective beliefs of the school community with the various needs of students as our top priority.
In order to set this direction, stakeholder participation is essential. Goals based on feedback will be formulated to enable a strong partnership for staff, parents, and students. Once an aspirational vision is established with collective input from participants, ZPS will collaborate to identify goals for the school system that truly meet the needs of our students.
ZPS is an outstanding district that recognizes the importance of each person and respects the value of community. Dr. Mendham, Superintendent shares, “We are excited to launch this strategic planning process in partnership with our schools and community. After experiencing the impact of the pandemic, we are eager to craft a plan that takes into account our strengths and values as we construct goals and strategies to best support our students and families. We know the best plans are informed by the needs and priorities of the community, and we are excited to integrate the feedback we receive from our stakeholders. Our strategic plan will be a symbol of our commitment to continuous improvement and will help us to communicate and celebrate our growth and progress along the way.”
Updated information and opportunities for students, staff, and community to be a part of this process are available at www.zps.org/strategicplan.
Together, with family and community, Zeeland Public Schools is committed to preparing all students for a lifetime of learning.
About the Facilitator
Dr. Randy Liepa is a recently retired school Superintendent with extensive statewide experience in school administration and policy. Currently, he is using his expertise to consult with the Michigan Leadership Institute and the Michigan Learning Channel.
Prior to this, he served eighteen years as a school Superintendent, with the last six years of his career in the position of Superintendent of the Wayne County Regional Education Service Agency (Wayne RESA). Wayne RESA is the largest education service agency in the state providing leadership, programs and services to 33 public school districts and 108 public school academies in Wayne County.
Dr. Liepa had a 30 year career in public education. Prior to joining Wayne RESA, he was with Livonia Public Schools, one of the ten largest districts in the state, and served as their Superintendent for 12 years. In 2014, he was honored as the Region 9 Superintendent of the Year in Michigan as well as Administrator of the Year for the Michigan PTSA.
Dr. Liepa is well respected in the education community and is a strong advocate for public education. He also has served locally and at the state level on legislative and policy committees and is frequently interviewed on television and radio providing insight and feedback on educational issues and proposals.
Dr. Liepa holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Hillsdale College, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Wayne State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Educational Leadership from Michigan State University.
Archives
[2022-2023]
ZPS Community,
It is a pleasure to share that ZPS has made enormous strides toward finalizing goals for Strategic Planning. Input from students, parents and guardians, and the community has informed this journey throughout the process, and it is validating for us to hear the enormous amount of positive feedback from our generous and invested community. Survey data collected from stakeholders indicate that 84% of respondents are satisfied to very satisfied with the quality of education provided at Zeeland Public Schools. Respondents were primarily parents, but also included nonparent community members, local business leaders, students, and other stakeholders.
When asked how they respond to the prompt, "I want our schools to be places where ...", respondents wrote:
"I want our schools to be places where students are safe, where students can find what they need. Where students can explore a large variety of interests. Where our teachers are respected and valued for the professionals they are.
"I want our schools to be places where my kids find joy, security, and friendships while getting the best education available."
"I want our schools to be places where children feel safe, cared for, valued, communicated with, and respected, where they are kind to and supportive of one another, where they are learning life skills that are actually applicable to their lives in addition to academic skills. Where parents and teachers collaborate, communicate, and work together to support the success of students."
From the data collected, it remains clear that relationships are at the heart of everything we do. Strong connections between students, families, educators, and our community have created learning environments where our students thrive academically and socially. The staff at ZPS is dedicated to the hearts and minds of our students. Their unwavering commitment to high achievement across the district exemplifies the transformative power of public education. Parents and community members remain deeply supportive and involved, making ZPS a truly unique place and a destination district for many families.
Nevertheless, it is imperative to recognize that there is always more we can do to meet the evolving needs of our students to prepare them for the challenges of tomorrow. 
Throughout the Strategic Planning process, the team remained steadfastly focused on continual improvement and innovation by building on our strengths and identifying areas where we can enhance the educational journey we offer for our students. The Strategic Planning comprised of various stakeholders, has met several times throughout the year to gather and analyze feedback to create time-bound, measurable goals. After carefully reviewing goals, they will be presented to the Board of Education for approval. It is an exciting time for our district as we envision a future that empowers every student to reach their fullest potential.
Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to our district. Partnering with family and community while recognizing the importance of every individual, Zeeland Public Schools will ensure that all students are safe, valued, loved, and learning.
Dr. Brandi-Lyn Mendham
Superintendent
The Zeeland Public Schools 2023-2028 Strategic Plan symbolizes a remarkable milestone in our commitment to providing the finest education for our students. With steadfast dedication and immense care, we have worked with students, staff, parents, and the community to craft a plan that underscores our shared vision of nurturing the talents and potential within our schools, ensuring that every student is safe, valued, loved, and learning. Together, we celebrate the promise and limitless opportunities that lie ahead as we embark on this exciting educational journey.