County Coordinators

Spellers from six counties, (Allegan, Barry, Kent, Muskegon, Newaygo and Ottawa) are invited to compete in the Greater Grand Rapids Spelling Bee on March 19, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. The event will be held at the Kent ISD Conference Center at 1633 East Beltline NE in Grand Rapids.

Coordinators from each county will work with their schools and will disseminate materials from Kent ISD and will arrange for Qualifying Regional Spelling Bees. Some counties may have multiple regional events.

County Coordinators:

Allegan County 

Cindy Jamrog - Allegan Area ESA


Barry County 

Richard Franklin - Superintendent, Barry ISD


Kent County 

Maddy Gimby - Kent ISD


Muskegon County 

Mary Johnson - Muskegon ISD


Newaygo County

Marie TenHave - Newaygo RESA


Ottawa County 

Deb McAlpine - Ottawa Area ISD