Leadership Team

Assistant Superintendents

Sue Gardner

 Assistant Superintendent of Career and Talent Development

Sue joined Kent ISD in 2018. She has varied ISD experience as Assistant Superintendent, Principal and Curriculum & Instruction as well as community college experience as Dean of Industrial Trades and Business. Sue provides leadership and technical assistance for local district CTE program development to avoid duplication, to ensure all CTE programs meet state and national funding and certification requirements, and to ensure programs articulate to college and meaningful career credentials. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends and especially her sheepadoodle Isla.

Kevin Philipps

Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services

Kevin joined Kent ISD in August of 2019. He comes to us from East Grand Rapids Schools, where he was Assistant Superintendent of Business from 2006-2019. He works collaboratively with local districts to create efficiencies and save money in business services.

Ron Gorman, Ph.D.

Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services

Dr. Gorman joined Kent ISD in July, 2022.  He is a respected educational leader with more than 25 years of experience in Grand Rapids Public Schools. During his time he has served as a classroom teacher, principal, instructional leader, administrator and interim superintendent. Dr. Gorman oversees our curriculum development efforts, school improvement as well as our Early Childhood and Secondary programs.

Dave Rodgers

Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources

Dave joined Kent ISD in July, 2022. He comes to us from Northville Public Schools where he served as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. His career in education spans nearly 30 years serving as an educator, principal and administrator. Dave also serves in a number of leadership positions in statewide associations and initiatives.

Glen Finkel

Assistant Superintendent of Technology Services

Glen has been with Kent ISD since 2003 and previously served as the Director of Information Technology and Data Services (ITDS). This department grew significantly during his tenure due to increased demand for technology and local districts’ need for technology services. The ITDS team now includes staff working at our many Kent ISD facilities, serving as IT support in three local districts and four charter schools, plus providing IT engineering for three districts. 

Kirsten Myers

Assistant Superintendent of Student Services

Kirsten has been with Kent ISD since 2019, previously serving as our Director of Special Education. Since Kirsten joined us, Kent ISD has centralized Early On services and expanded mental health support services. We also brought on the Special Education Center Programs which have worked closely with our Special Ed team, but reported to the Superintendent.  Special Education Center Programs will now officially report to Kirsten.

Chris Glass

Assistant Superintendent of Legislative and Organizational Initiatives

Chris has worked with Kent ISD since 2013 and served as the Director of Legislative Affairs for school districts in Kent, Muskegon and Ottawa Area ISDs. He has been instrumental in helping secure additional funds for our local districts, plus Great Start Readiness Program preschool and Career and Technical Education programs statewide. He is tasked with growing our regional advocacy presence, and oversees the Communications Department including School News Network, Grants coordination/requests, and the Office of Research and Continuous Improvement. 

Directors

Dennis Baine , Director of Fiscal Services
Paul Dymowski, Director of Special Education Center Programs
Kelli Campbell-Brockway, Director of Teaching and Learning
Ashley Karsten, Director of Early Childhood
Oogie Lamar, Director of Adult Education
Tim Peraino , Director of Facilities
Dr. Cary Stamas, Director of Career Readiness
Danielle Hendry, Director of Human Resources
Ron Houtman, Director of REMC
Dr. Davie Store, Director of Research and Continuous Improvement