Superintendent Shanie J. Keelean | Letter of Introduction

I am so excited to be in Holland! As I settle in to my new office, I wanted to briefly introduce myself
My family is my pride and joy, and the only thing that allows the me to slow down (a little) and enjoy the simple and most important things in life. I have three energetic children Trevor (7), Lily (8) and Ian (9). My husband and I are searching for a home in the area. We are all excited to move to Holland and begin the 2021-2022 school year with you.
I was raised in Northern Michigan and am the youngest of five children. I was the first of the family to attend college and did so at Grand Valley State University obtaining a Bachelor’s degree with double majors of Sociology and Psychology. At 22, I moved to Chicago and worked with Chicago Park District as a gymnastics instructor and then supervisor.
I began teaching in 1999, as a substitute teacher in Chicago Public Schools. I joined “Teachers for Chicago” and attended Loyola University of Chicago and obtained a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and taught in Chicago Public Schools until 2009. I taught 3rd, 5th, 7th and 8th grades (Mathematics and English Language Arts), physical education, and was a math specialist (coach).
In the spring of 2007, I was accepted into New Leaders for New Schools and worked a year as a Resident Principal while obtaining a second Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from National Louis University.
I was an assistant principal in Chicago Public Schools before moving to Buffalo New York where I spent four years as an assistant principal and three as a transformational Principal.
In 2016 my family and I moved back to the north Chicagoland area to Waukegan where I worked with Waukegan Community Unit District 60. I spent one year as the Principal of Jack Benny Middle School, and in September of 2017 became the Associate Superintendent of School Leadership and Development for school leaders. In this role, I supervised and evaluated 13 principals, 11 assistant principals and led all professional development for them and the instructional coaches of the district.
I am currently studying at Western Illinois University where I have completed coursework for the Illinois Superintendent endorsement, and am working to complete my Doctorate within the next year or two.
I am in the process of learning all about Holland Public Schools and the Holland community. Particularly, how to continue the legacy and great work of the district while inspiring the next generation of success in Holland Public Schools.
Over the next few weeks, there will be several opportunities for us to meet each other face-to-face. My office will host regular office hours, and several special events are being planned as well. Please keep an eye on the district webpage for information about these opportunities.
We've also created several short videos of me answering questions from students and other members of the Holland community. Please, take a few minutes to watch them with your child.
Shanie J. Keelean
Superintendent, Holland Public Schools
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Monday, December 13, 2021, 5:30 p.m.
We provide all students and staff powerful learning opportunities in safe, secure, and predictable environments.
Thank you for completing the survey, attending the townhall meeting, and/or your input in helping to drive priorities for the students in Holland Public Schools. District leaders, building principals and staff will continue to work on a plan to support student progress and growth. Please contact Associate Superintendent Laura McCloud with additional input.
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A letter from Superintendent Shanie Keelean:
Thank you for participating in the recent survey of HPS Families about the start of the school year. More than 400 of you participated in this survey. The information you shared will not only help us improve next year’s kickoff of the school year, but will also help us reach our goals for supporting Every Student, Every Day.
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We'll have prizes, a treat, and free books for all the kids who come to the the bus stop to say HI!
From the desk of Superintendent Shanie J. Keelean
Superintendent Keelean will hold office hours at the District Admin Building:
- July 22, 8-9am
July 23, 8:30-9:30am - August 16, 5:30-6:30pm
This is a drop-in opportunity for you to meet Mrs. Keelean. No appointment necessary.
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Click "Read Full Article" to watch the video from Tuesday's interviews and townhall meeting.
Members of the Holland School Board narrowed their search for the next Superintendent of Schools:
- Shanie Keelean, Associate Superintendent of School Leadership and Development, Waukegan Community Unit School District #60, Illinois
- Michael Pascoe Ph.D., Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, Portage Public Schools, Michigan
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Following the Superintendent Search | Townhall Meeting on Tuesday, June 1, your input will assist members of the Holland Public School Board in assessing candidates for Superintendent of Schools.
Following interviews on Thursday, May 27, the following information will assist members of the Holland Public School Board in assessing candidates for Superintendent of Schools.
- 4:30 PM - 5:20 PM | Michael Pascoe Ph.D., Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, Portage Public Schools, Michigan
- 5:30 PM - 6:20 PM | Shanie Keelean, Associate Superintendent of School Leadership and Development, Waukegan Community Unit School District #60, Illinois
- 7:00 PM - 7:50 PM | Scott Smith Ed.S, Superintendent Cedar Springs Public Schools, Michigan
Following interviews on Monday, May 24, the following information will assist members of the Holland Public School Board in assessing candidates for Superintendent of Schools.
Interviews will be held in person on May 24 and 27 at the District Administration Office, 320 W. 24th Street.
Thank You | Upcoming Events | Annual Education Reports | Superintendent Search Update | Update your Parent Portal for 21-22
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If approved by voters on May 4, BUILD 2021 would generate $74,650,000 for improvements across the District - including brand new classrooms for students at West Elementary.
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Near Year—New Beginning.
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...while safety remains our number one priority, we also acknowledge the important role schools serve for our broader community. Schools are vital in meeting the academic, social, emotional and physical wellbeing of students and families. We must do everything we can to keep schools safe and open.
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What you need to know about the Stay in Place order for GVSU students.
Virtual Event runs from Oct 1- 11, 2020
Contactless Drive-Thru Packet Pick Up: Thursday, Oct 1 at Holland West Elementary School, 500 W. 24th St.
The Ottawa County Department of Public Health has asked us to share the attached letter with HPS Families. It explains how OCDPH will report COVID-19 outbreaks at Ottawa County schools.
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We want you to be ready for the possibility that schools could close. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
The first two positive COVID-19 test results are being reported by students at Holland High School and Holland Middle School. In an interview on WHTC this morning, Superintendent Dr Brian Davis talked about what happens next...
CHANGE OF DATE. Due to the Labor Day holiday falling on the day the board regularly holds board study sessions, this meeting has been moved and will be held Tuesday, September 8.
A BIG Thank You! (and an ice cream treat) for our GREAT HPS Bus Drivers after a very hot first week of school. #HPSProud
OPEN HOUSE EVENTS ARE FOR FACE-TO-FACE LEARNERS ONLY!
MONDAY, AUGUST 24
- TK-5th (Students Last Name A-L) 4-6p
- 6th-12th (Students Last Name M-Z) 4:30-6:30pm
TUESDAY, AUGUST 25
- TK-5th (Students Last Name M-Z) 4-6pm
- 6th-12th (Students Last Name A-L) 4:30-6:30pm
“Limited Service” means no to and from school routes for MAX transit.
The decision to continue with limited service as schools open in our area was not an easy one, and we apologize for any burden this may cause families with students. In order to continue to provide life sustaining services to the residents of the Holland and Zeeland community, this is our safest option.
An update from Superintendent Brian Davis with details about the board-approved Return to Learn plan, upcoming Open House events, and a Covid Q&A email hotline.
Superintendent Davis has an update on getting back to school!
The guidance provided by Governor Whitmer’s roadmap is an important first step in providing local districts with the direction and clarity needed to begin creating reopening plans. It is our hope that we have more specifics to share the first week of August. Our goal is to bring our completed plans to the Board of Education for approval at that time.
Superintendent Brian Davis will host office hours (online and in-person) to answer your questions about the August 4 Millage Request from Holland Public Schools.
The Open Enrollment Period for limited spaces begins on June 1, 2020, and ends on June 30.
Holland Public Schools is "committed to being part of the solution - to listening, learning, and doing better."
Governor Whitmer announces that Michigan schools may resume in-person learning in the fall.
While everything around us has seemingly changed, our vision/mission remain.
Dr. Brian Davis will be available to meet with you, answer your questions, and listen to your concerns about the school district. Open office hours are scheduled for the following dates:
- September 22, 2:00 pm (Tues) – Phone in 616-494-2000
- October 14, 8:00 am (Wed)
- November 16, 2:00 pm (Mon)
- December 14, 3:00 pm (Mon)
- January 26, 2:00 pm (Tues)
- February 24, 9:00 am (Wed)
- March 26, 8:00 am (Fri)
- April 13, 2:00 pm (Tues)
- May 24, 3:00 pm (Mon)
If you can't attend or wait for one of these meetings, please contact us to set up a meeting time with Dr. Davis