Superintendent Search Committee
Eric Burgess
Head of School for Grandville Calvin Christian Schools
Connection to GRCS:
Eric worked for 19 years at GRCS. He was a teacher at GRCHS for five years and then served 14 years as an administrator. He also has three children currently attending GRCS and one GRCHS graduate.
Church affiliation:
Seymour Christian Reformed Church
Why serving on the search committee is important to me:
"Grand Rapids Christian Schools has played a significant role in my life personally and in the life of my kids and family. The teachers and staff at GRCS have helped my kids to grow in faith and to understand the breadth and diversity of God's Kingdom and their roles as effective Kingdom servants. I am incredibly grateful for this Christian school community and see my role serving on the search committee as a way to give back. My experiences as an administrator at GRCS and as current Head of School allow me to bring a unique perspective to the committee as we review applicants and identify the next leader."
Afton DeVos
Nonprofit Leadership Consultant/Owner - Afton DeVos Consulting
Connection to GRCS:
Afton is a 2001 graduate of GRCHS and a current parent. Her children are in 6th and 3rd grade.
Church affiliation:
Ada Bible Church
Why serving on the search committee is important to you:
"With my personal investment as both an alumna and current parent, I am humbled to serve on this committee to help hire our next leader. I hope to represent our school community as an active participant in shaping an educational environment where children receive a quality education, experience a deep sense of belonging, and cultivate a transformative relationship with Jesus."
Caleb Doezema
CEO of K-Line Industries and a registered CPA in the State of Michigan
Connection to GRCS:
Caleb attended GRCS from kindergarten through 12th grade and graduated from GRCHS in 1994. He is a current Board of Trustees member and has two children currently attending GRCS. One entering 7th grade and one entering 9th grade.
Church Affiliation:
LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church
Why is serving on the search committee important to you:
"GRCS has been part of my life since entering kindergarten at Creston Mayfield Christian. My wife Amy and I feel blessed that our children are able to attend this wonderful Christian School and be a part of this Christ-centered community. Serving both as a Trustee and a member of this Superintendent Search Committee is an honor. I look forward to the work of this search and helping this school community make a successful transition to a new superintendent."
Rev. Peter Jonker
Minister of Preaching at LaGrave Avenue Chrisitan Reformed Church
Connection to GRCS:
Peter's three children went through the system and his wife, Linda is a kindergarten teacher at the Iroquois campus. He has also served on the GRCS Board of Trustees.
Church affiliation:
LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church
Why serving on the search committee is important to you:
"I am a deep believer in the mission of Christian education and its vision of Christ as Lord of all our learning and all our life. I'm honored to serve on the committee."
Jamie Kuiper
President, National Christian Foundation, Michigan
Connection to GRCS:
Jamie is a current Board of Trustee member and has three children in the school system.
Church affiliation:
Ada Bible Church
Why serving on the search committee is important to you:
"GRCS has been an invaluable partner for my wife and I as we've sought to raise our kids to follow Christ, and to serve Him in our world. I count it as a special blessing to work with the board and other members of our community as we seek to determine who God has called as our next superintendent."
Jason Ross
Pastor at Ada Bible Church
Connection to GRCS:
Jason has served on various GRCS committees
Church Affiliation:
Ada Bible Church
Why serving on the search committee is important to me:
"So many people I know and love have graduated from GRCS and currently sending their kids there. I am honored to use my skills and strengths in this important search."
Dr. Sandra Upton
Founder and Chief DEI Strategist with Upton Consulting Group
Connection to GRCS:
Both of Sandra's children attended Oakdale Christian School and Dr. Upton has facilitated DEI work for the district.
Church affiliation:
Elevation Church
Why serving on the search committee is important to me:
"Both of my children attended GRCS for elementary school. Beginning their education with a Christian foundation was invaluable. It was a wonderful supplement to what they were already receiving at home. I look forward to serving on the committee, identifying diverse candidates while seeking and trusting God throughout the entire process."
Sheila VanderWoude
Director of Technology, Grand Rapids Christian Schools
Connection to GRCS:
Sheila has been with GRCS for 32 years, as a middle school math teacher, technology interventionist and now as the Director of Technology. Her husband and two children are graduates of GRCHS.
Church Affiliation:
Cascade Fellowship Christian Reformed Church
Why being on the search committee is important to you:
"It has been a blessing to me to learn and grow with GRCS as we continue as an institution to live out our mission to prepare students to be effective servants of Christ in contemporary society. In my visionary, servant leadership role, I have the opportunity to connect with students, staff, and parents, and to straddle the business, information technology, and teaching and learning aspects of GRCS. My prayer is that God will bring to us our next superintendent who will help us foster a culture of belonging in which the rich differences of God's creation are reflected in our curriculum and instruction and supported through our institutional practices and systems."
Dr. Sarah Visser
Executive Vice President for Student Experience and Strategy at Calvin University
Connection to GRCS:
Sarah is a GRCS Board of Trustee member and currently has three children in the school system
Church affiliation:
Madison Church, South Hill
Why serving on the search committee is important to you:
"I love the distinctive Christian education and inclusive community that Grand Rapids Christian Schools fosters. I believe that Grand Rapids Christian has a unique opportunity to select a superintendent who will advance the work of Christ-centered, inclusive education that enables students to become spiritually wise, world-engaging citizens of God's kingdom."