By Erin Albanese
Craig Hoekstra has the opportunity to lead major investment in the district where he grew up, serving generations of Wolves to come.
It’s a job the new superintendent embraces.
Hoekstra, who began the position July 1, will be involved in planning the $40 million Wyoming High School renovation and addition from concept to fruition. Funding for the project comes from the bond proposal, which passed last November, a huge victory for the more than 4,000-student district after bond requests failed twice in previous years. He replaces longtime Superintendent Thomas Reeder.
While construction on the renovation, which includes a two-story, 30-classroom addition, won’t begin until next summer, Hoekstra is eyeing the future with optimism.
“It’s phenomenal,” he said. “There’s a lot of excitement and thankfulness because the community supported the bond. Now it’s our responsibility to be thoughtful, forward-thinking and do our research and homework.
“It’s our opportunity to significantly impact Wyoming Public Schools well into the future.”
‘Maximize Each and Every Opportunity’
Hoekstra is a familiar face in Wyoming, beginning with his student days.
He graduated in 1990 from the former Wyoming Park High School and worked as a district custodian for six years. He was Oriole Park Elementary School principal for two years and Gladiola Elementary principal for three, when he also worked as state and federal grants director. He also taught second grade at Hamilton Elementary School and served as a principal there for three years.
He reflected on his path to becoming an educator who now heads an entire district.
It began when Hoekstra decided to pursue an education degree after working as a linen and uniform delivery driver.
“As a student, I enjoyed school, but wished that I would have applied myself more,” he admitted. “In becoming an educator as a non-traditional student, a driving force for me was to assist and encourage students to maximize each and every opportunity in front of them. One of my goals is to instill in them hope and provide support that they can do anything in life they set their mind to.”
Hoekstra is a prime example of how goal-setting and working hard can pay off.
“My whole motto is: dream big, work hard and make it happen. Things are always going to be challenges in front of us, but with perseverance, support and that ‘never give up’ attitude, anything is possible.”
Along with planning bond projects to take shape in the district over the next seven years, Hoekstra is working with teachers and teams of instructional coaches in math, science, reading and English as a Second Language to best serve students with effective teaching strategies.
The Power of Being Present
A superintendent’s most important role, he said, “would be ensuring the safety of students and empowering kids to achieve goals that they don’t realize are attainable at every development level, with us and beyond us.”
Another goal of Hoekstra’s is to make people feel heard and appreciated. He said he has learned a lot from young people over the years, and one of the biggest lessons has been to be present.
“As busy as people are, we need to be in the moment, celebrate the moment, make the most of every moment,” he said. “What I have learned from working with students and people in general is that when you are with them they are the most important person at that time. If we are distracted, that opportunity we have with them might be lost. If people feel like they are truly cared about and supported, that’s where strong relationships not only start but are maintained over time.”
Whether planning for updated buildings or putting a laser-like focus on curriculum, Hoekstra doesn’t take the job of heading the Wolf Pack lightly.
“To be an educator is an absolute privilege, to not only touch the minds of youths, but also their hearts,” he said.
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
