Board of Education

News: Two Board of Education Seats on the November Ballot

Forest Hills’ voters will be able to vote for two school board seats on the November 5, 2024, ballot. If you are interested in serving on the Forest Hills Public Schools Board of Education to serve the students, staff, and families in our district, we have additional information available and linked here. Please note that the filing deadline is July 23, 2024, at 4 p.m. with the Kent County Clerk/Election Coordinator.

About the FHPS Board of Education

The Forest Hills Board of Education works collaboratively with the superintendent in crafting strategies to execute the district’s mission and vision.  The board is an elected body that meets monthly to conduct board business.  Duties of the board include:

• Adopt District bylaws and policy
• Employ and evaluate a superintendent
• Adopt and oversee a budget

The Board does not manage day-to-day operations, as the superintendent is responsible for the effective administration and supervision of the district.  The board works with the superintendent to ensure district policies, procedures, and programs are continually assessed against the shared vision for the district.

Contact the FHPS Board of Education

In order to address questions or concerns promptly and appropriately, please refer to the district’s Communication Guidance.

Email communication to all members of the Forest Hills Board of Education may be sent to fhpsboardofeducation@fhps.net.

Board Members

Learn a little bit more about each of our board members by clicking on their photos and names below.

Board of Education Meetings

All formal action by the Board of Education takes place during the public meetings. Closed sessions may be held to discuss complaints and disciplinary action, teacher tenure proceedings, periodic personnel evaluations, student discipline, collective bargaining strategy, the purchase or lease of property, pending litigation, applications for employment and appointment to public office, exempt material, and certain school security matters.

Public comments to express views on subjects related to our schools are welcome during the time designated on the meeting agenda. A copy of the meeting agenda is available on an information table near the entrance to the meeting room and on the district website. We believe participation by the community is essential to maintain excellent educational programs for the students of Forest Hills.

All regular meeting dates are published on our website. Any changes and special meetings are posted at the Administration Building and on the district website.  The Forest Hills Board of Education welcomes you to attend its meetings.

Regular Meeting Schedule

Download a copy of the 2024-2025 Regular Board Meeting Schedule

Recordings of regular board meetings will be posted to our BoardBook website and the FHPS Board of Education YouTube channel.

Committee Meeting Schedule

The Board of Education will hold its regular committee meetings at the Administration Building according to the following schedule during the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025. (Dates & times subject to change.)

Board Finance Committee Schedule

Board Curriculum Committee Schedule

Download the Finance and Curriculum Committee Meeting Schedule

Special Board Meetings

Please visit our BoardBook page for meeting minutes and agendas concerning these special meetings.

Recordings of special board meetings will be posted to our BoardBook website and the FHPS Board of Education YouTube channel.

Public Participation at Board Meetings

The Board of Education values our community’s partnership and recognizes it is essential in supporting the educational excellence we offer in Forest Hills.  The public may address the Board at their meetings as indicated on the agenda using the following procedures:

• Per Board action on March 20, 2023, individuals wishing to address the Board should complete a registration card prior to the start of the Public Comments portion of the meeting.
• Remarks by individuals are limited to three minutes. Individuals should state name and organization represented (if applicable). During this time, the Board listens to comments from the public but does not engage in dialogue or render decisions during the business meeting. Comments shared by members of the public at the meeting will be considered by the Board and district administration.
• Persons who are part of a group or organization or who share similar viewpoints are encouraged to designate a spokesperson to address the Board.
• Individuals addressing the Board shall abide by the rules of common courtesy. The meeting cannot be used to make personal attacks against a Board member or district employee, which are totally unrelated to the manner in which the Board member or employee performs his or her duties.

Please see Board Policy 2504 “Public Participation at Board Meetings” for complete rules.

Board of Education Meeting Minutes

Draft minutes of Board meetings are available for public inspection during regular business hours eight business days after the applicable meeting by contacting the Board of Education Office (616) 493-8800. Approved minutes are available five business days after the meeting at which they were approved. Copies of the approved minutes are available on the district website.  Board meeting minutes and supporting documents are also located at the Forest Hills Public Schools Administration Building.

In accordance with Board Policy and the Open Meetings Act, minutes for a meeting open to the public will include at least the following information:

1. The meeting date, time, and location;
2. The Board members present for or otherwise participating in the meeting;
3. The Board members absent from the meeting;
4. Board decisions;
5. The purpose(s) for which any closed session meeting was held and the specific provision(s) of the Open Meetings Act that permitted the closed session;
6. Any roll call votes conducted by the Board and a record of other votes; and
7. Corrections, if any.