By WKTV Staff
The Kentwood Public Schools Board of Education Aug. 9 approved two new hires to the central office team — Executive Director of Elementary Education Jason Lawson and Executive Director of Student Services Veronica Lake.
Both will report directly to new Superintendent Kevin Polston, according to an announcement from the district.
“Veronica Lake was a clear choice for this critical role on our team,” Polston said in the announcement. “While still in the midst of a pandemic, the Student Services position fulfills essential functions to provide necessary supports for student success. Mrs. Lake’s unique blend of qualifications, experience, and proven track record of results made her the ideal candidate.”
Lake has “a wealth of experiences” in areas of accountability and compliance, special education, and title programs, and she has served in central office leadership roles in Grand Rapids Public Schools and two districts in Illinois, according to the announcement. She has led districts in designing and implementing creative and innovative programs that align to support teaching and learning for staff and students in PK-12.
Lake has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Biology and a Master’s in Special Education from Fayetteville State University. She completed her administration certification at Western Michigan University.
New Director of Elementary Education
Lawson has served as the principal of Lake Hills Elementary School in Grand Haven for the past nine years. Lake Hills has the most racial and economic diversity in Grand Haven, according to the announcement, and when he took over as principal, the school was designated as a focus school for the size of the gap in student achievement.
“Under his leadership, the school narrowed the gap, became a Beating the Odds Reward School, was a Nationally Ranked Title 1 Distinguished School finishing runner up in the nation on two occasions, and was named as a National Blue Ribbon School,” Polston said. “Jason has earned prestigious honors along the way as well.”
Lawson was recognized as one of 11 principals throughout the country (and the only one in Michigan) to receive the 2018 Terrel H. Bell award for outstanding leadership at the National Blue Ribbon recognition and this past school year was awarded the Excellence in Service Award by Grand Haven Schools given annually to two certified employees (teachers and administrators).
Lawson earned his Bachelor’s of Degree in education and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration, both from Northern Michigan University.
