Meet the Newest Board of Education Trustee: Rebekah Schipper
Trustees have appointed Rebekah Schipper to fill a vacancy on the Board of Education. Schipper will finish out the term left vacant by Tim Marroquin who was recently elected to the Holland City Council. Schipper will have the option to run for election in November 2026.
Rebekah taught for 10 years and currently serves as the Executive Director for Opportunity Thrive which focuses on helping teachers and schools thrive. She has two children in the district who attend Holland High School and Holland Middle School.
From Rebekah's Letter of Intent:
As an educator, I believe deeply in the purpose of public education. A strong society depends on a strong educational system-one that teaches not only academic foundations but also the core tenants of how to be a good human in an ever-changing, complex world. Public education equips future generations with the hope and capacity to contribute meaningfully to their communities. My work has always centered on nurturing curiosity, critical thinking, and empathy to help students and educators thrive.
Serving on a school board requires a commitment to listening to and advocating for every student and family while also supporting the district's mission and leadership. This is a weighty but meaningful responsibility. I believe my skills, background, and passion align well with the requirements of this position.
One area I hope to explore is how board policies and practices influence the recruitment and retention of educators. In this time of critical shortages, it is essential that the district remains a place where educators feel valued, supported, and connected. Holland Public Schools has been a leader in this work, and I would welcome the opportunity to help continue that progress. I am also interested in strengthening family engagement, which is a key factor in addressing chronic absenteeism and improving student achievement. Strong family engagement begins with strong relationships between families and the board. In partnership with district staff, we can shift the tone of interactions between families and the board from transactional to a partnership. I would welcome the opportunity to help build those partnerships.
Holland Public Schools is at its best when relational trust is strong-between the board and staff, educators, leadership, families, and community. I believe focusing on trust will support long-term success for the district.