By Brandy Navetta
Zeeland Public Schools
Zeeland Public Schools has announced several staff transitions as the district prepares for the 2026–27 school year.
These updates include the naming of a new chief financial officer, a new principal for New Groningen Elementary School, and continued planning for the next principal at Lincoln Elementary School.
Each fills an existing role in the district following a retirement or staff transition.
Dan Moore will join ZPS as the district’s next chief financial officer, replacing Lynn VanKampen, who will retire on June 30. Moore comes to ZPS from Caledonia Community Schools, where he served as finance manager since February 2024.
“Dan brings strong financial experience, a thoughtful leadership style, and a clear commitment to collaboration,” ZPS Superintendent Rodney Hetherton said. “He understands the responsibility that comes with managing public resources, and we believe he will serve Zeeland Public Schools well.”
Prior to joining Caledonia schools, Moore served as director of finance for Grand Rapids Public Schools for two years, and held a variety of roles in the financial services office of Muskegon Community College, Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services Jon Voss said.
Moore’s official start date will be July 1.
Scott Carpenter has been named the next principal of New Groningen Elementary School. Carpenter brings 22 years of elementary education experience, including teaching first, second, and fourth grade. For the past four years, he has served as principal of the K-1 building in Cedar Springs Public Schools.
Carpenter will step into the role as the current New Groningen principal, Leslie Rindfliesch, transitions to the previously announced assistant principal position at Zeeland West High School. Carpenter’s official start date is July 1, though he plans to spend time at New Groningen in June as he begins building relationships with staff.
“Scott understands elementary education and the importance of strong relationships with students, staff, and families,” Voss said.
ZPS is also continuing its search for the next principal of Lincoln Elementary School as current principal Jeff Roon transitions to Cityside Middle School.
After an initial search process, the district has decided to repost the position to find the best fit for Lincoln Elementary.
“We know Lincoln is a strong school community, and we want to take the time needed to find the right person to continue that work,” Hetherton said. “This is an important role, and we are committed to making a thoughtful decision.”
As the Lincoln principal search continues, Zeeland East High School Principal Jessica Knoth will provide leadership and guidance for the district’s K-12 Spanish Immersion program.
Knoth is a native Spanish speaker, a certified English Learner and Spanish teacher, and an experienced building leader. In this role, she will serve as a point person and advocate for the Spanish Immersion program while supporting alignment and communication across grade levels.
As the school year comes to a close, ZPS Nutrition Services will continue supporting its families throughout the summer months by providing free summer meals for children ages 18 and younger.
Families can pick up a free 7-day meal box every Monday from June 8 through August 24 at Quincy Elementary, in the front parking lot, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Each meal box includes food items for seven breakfasts and seven lunches, along with a menu and preparation instructions.
The Zee Bus will also be located across the street at Helder Park from 10:30-11:30 a.m. This is another opportunity for students to grab a meal and a book at the same time.
Children do not need to be enrolled in Zeeland Public Schools to participate. While pre-registration is encouraged to help us plan accordingly, meals are available on a first-come, first-served basis in accordance with USDA and MDE guidelines.
For additional information, meal site details, or questions, please contact Nutrition Services at (616) 748-3126.
Zeeland Record editor Greg Chandler contributed to this story.
Zeeland Public Schools
Zeeland Public Schools has announced several staff transitions as the district prepares for the 2026–27 school year.
These updates include the naming of a new chief financial officer, a new principal for New Groningen Elementary School, and continued planning for the next principal at Lincoln Elementary School.
Each fills an existing role in the district following a retirement or staff transition.
Dan Moore will join ZPS as the district’s next chief financial officer, replacing Lynn VanKampen, who will retire on June 30. Moore comes to ZPS from Caledonia Community Schools, where he served as finance manager since February 2024.
“Dan brings strong financial experience, a thoughtful leadership style, and a clear commitment to collaboration,” ZPS Superintendent Rodney Hetherton said. “He understands the responsibility that comes with managing public resources, and we believe he will serve Zeeland Public Schools well.”
Prior to joining Caledonia schools, Moore served as director of finance for Grand Rapids Public Schools for two years, and held a variety of roles in the financial services office of Muskegon Community College, Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services Jon Voss said.
Moore’s official start date will be July 1.
Scott Carpenter has been named the next principal of New Groningen Elementary School. Carpenter brings 22 years of elementary education experience, including teaching first, second, and fourth grade. For the past four years, he has served as principal of the K-1 building in Cedar Springs Public Schools.
Carpenter will step into the role as the current New Groningen principal, Leslie Rindfliesch, transitions to the previously announced assistant principal position at Zeeland West High School. Carpenter’s official start date is July 1, though he plans to spend time at New Groningen in June as he begins building relationships with staff.
“Scott understands elementary education and the importance of strong relationships with students, staff, and families,” Voss said.
ZPS is also continuing its search for the next principal of Lincoln Elementary School as current principal Jeff Roon transitions to Cityside Middle School.
After an initial search process, the district has decided to repost the position to find the best fit for Lincoln Elementary.
“We know Lincoln is a strong school community, and we want to take the time needed to find the right person to continue that work,” Hetherton said. “This is an important role, and we are committed to making a thoughtful decision.”
As the Lincoln principal search continues, Zeeland East High School Principal Jessica Knoth will provide leadership and guidance for the district’s K-12 Spanish Immersion program.
Knoth is a native Spanish speaker, a certified English Learner and Spanish teacher, and an experienced building leader. In this role, she will serve as a point person and advocate for the Spanish Immersion program while supporting alignment and communication across grade levels.
As the school year comes to a close, ZPS Nutrition Services will continue supporting its families throughout the summer months by providing free summer meals for children ages 18 and younger.
Families can pick up a free 7-day meal box every Monday from June 8 through August 24 at Quincy Elementary, in the front parking lot, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Each meal box includes food items for seven breakfasts and seven lunches, along with a menu and preparation instructions.
The Zee Bus will also be located across the street at Helder Park from 10:30-11:30 a.m. This is another opportunity for students to grab a meal and a book at the same time.
Children do not need to be enrolled in Zeeland Public Schools to participate. While pre-registration is encouraged to help us plan accordingly, meals are available on a first-come, first-served basis in accordance with USDA and MDE guidelines.
For additional information, meal site details, or questions, please contact Nutrition Services at (616) 748-3126.
Zeeland Record editor Greg Chandler contributed to this story.
MAX Transit Announces Changes
MAX Transit will implement updates to its fare and pass system beginning June 8, as part of an effort to improve rider convenience and transition toward electronic fare options through the Token Transit app and the Macatawa Area Express app.
Cash payments on board all MAX Transit buses will continue to be accepted.
These changes are designed to modernize fare payment options while continuing to provide accessibility accommodations for riders who cannot utilize smartphones or mobile fare applications.
Pass Expiration Dates
In accordance with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requirements, all transit passes will now include a 60-day expiration date.
Passes purchased before June 8 that do not have expiration dates must be used, loaded to a Token Transit Macatawa Area Express account, or redeemed at the MAX Transit office by Sept. 30.
Physical Pass Eligibility
Beginning June 8, physical passes will only be available to qualified riders, including:
•?Individuals without smartphones
•?Individuals with disabilities who cannot utilize smartphones or mobile fare applications
All types of physical daily and weekly fixed route passes will be discontinued.
The following physical fixed route fare options will remain available for qualified riders:
Monthly Passes
$15 Reduced Fare
• ADA riders
• Individuals with disabilities
• Youth ages 5–17
• Seniors age 65 and older
• Medicare cardholders
$34.50 Full Fare
• Adults ages 18–64
Individual Fare Tickets
• $0.50 Reduced Fare
• $1.15 Full Fare
Student Pass
• $34.50 per semester
Reserve-A-MAX fares will transition to cash payments or electronic credits loaded directly onto rider accounts.
For additional information visit MAX Transit or contact customer service at (616) 355-1010.
Cash payments on board all MAX Transit buses will continue to be accepted.
These changes are designed to modernize fare payment options while continuing to provide accessibility accommodations for riders who cannot utilize smartphones or mobile fare applications.
Pass Expiration Dates
In accordance with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requirements, all transit passes will now include a 60-day expiration date.
Passes purchased before June 8 that do not have expiration dates must be used, loaded to a Token Transit Macatawa Area Express account, or redeemed at the MAX Transit office by Sept. 30.
Physical Pass Eligibility
Beginning June 8, physical passes will only be available to qualified riders, including:
•?Individuals without smartphones
•?Individuals with disabilities who cannot utilize smartphones or mobile fare applications
All types of physical daily and weekly fixed route passes will be discontinued.
The following physical fixed route fare options will remain available for qualified riders:
Monthly Passes
$15 Reduced Fare
• ADA riders
• Individuals with disabilities
• Youth ages 5–17
• Seniors age 65 and older
• Medicare cardholders
$34.50 Full Fare
• Adults ages 18–64
Individual Fare Tickets
• $0.50 Reduced Fare
• $1.15 Full Fare
Student Pass
• $34.50 per semester
Reserve-A-MAX fares will transition to cash payments or electronic credits loaded directly onto rider accounts.
For additional information visit MAX Transit or contact customer service at (616) 355-1010.
