Civil Municipal Magazine - Nov 2023

239 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 11 THE WEST OT TAWA SCHOOL DISTRICT The West Ottawa School District is one such example. Providing an impressive array of curriculum offerings, this dynamic school district is dedicated to providing the skills and learning opportunities needed for its valued students to succeed. Ideally located on a 73-square-mile tract located in Ottawa County on the banks of Lake Michigan, about 28 miles southeast of Grand Rapids, the West Ottawa School District contains 12 brick and mortar schools – eight elementary, two middle, and two high schools –West Ottawa and Dunes Alternative – and one virtual academy for grades 3-12. Currently, there are approximately 6,700 students enrolled in the district who come from nearby Holland and Zeeland, and other smaller towns and municipalities in the western part of the county. There are over 400 certified teachers and over 200 support staff in the system. West Ottawa was recently ranked as the #1 public school district in Ottawa County by Niche.com and is one of only two districts in the county to be recognized as a U.S. News and World Report Best High Schools-Silver Award Winner for eight consecutive years. A new superintendent and a new plan Tim Bearden, who has been the district’s superintendent since May 2021, after having served in various other school systems as a teacher and administrator for over 30 years, sums up its guiding educational ethos. “Our school district’s mission is to prepare our students to be college, career, and life- ready. It’s important to recognize that kids have different paths – what works for one kid may not work for another.” “Whatever path kids choose, we want to make sure that we’ve given them the tools to be successful. Curriculum is not a one-size-fits-all proposition anymore. We want our kids to be prepared as creative solution-finders and problem-solvers for