November 25, 2025

From the Desk of Superintendent Cassidy

Dear Holland Community,

As we move into the holiday season, we want to share important updates on the progress of our long-term facility work across Holland Public Schools. Thanks to your continued support, especially through the 2021 and 2025 bond initiatives, we continue to make meaningful improvements to support safe, innovative, and future-ready learning environments for all students. 

Five-Year Facility Plan: What’s Ahead for HPS

Our five-year facility plan is focused on aligning district buildings to better serve students, create long-term sustainability, and streamline programming. Here’s what’s happening now and what comes next:

2025 Bond Update: Athletic Complex & New Stadium

The first major project from the 2025 bond, the improvements to the athletic complex and the construction of a new football stadium, is currently in the planning and design stages.

    • Preliminary drawings and conceptual designs will be available after Thanksgiving.

We look forward to sharing these with the community and gathering your feedback as we shape a facility that will support student-athletes, the marching band, PE classes, youth leagues, and community events for many years to come.

Holland Heights Elementary – 2021 Bond Project

Renovations at Holland Heights continue to progress on schedule. The project includes redesigned classrooms, flexible learning areas, updated building systems, and one additional classroom per grade level to better support enrollment and instructional needs.

    • Projected completion: June 2026

    • Students return to the building: Fall 2026

Holland West Elementary – 2021 Bond Project

Phase 1 demolition at Holland West is now complete. The next stages will create:

    • New upper elementary classrooms

    • Extended learning spaces for small-group and collaborative learning

    • A new early childhood wing

    • One additional classroom per grade as part of district-wide alignment

The full West project is expected to be completed in 2027.

What This Means for Jefferson Elementary

When the West project is completed in 2027:

    • Jefferson students will be divided between Heights and West, ensuring adequate space, improved learning environments, and alignment with district enrollment.

    • Renovations will then begin at the Jefferson building.

    • Once complete, Jefferson will become the new permanent home of Holland Language Academy (HLA) beginning in 2028.

HPS Focus Areas for 2024–25

This year, Holland Public Schools is committed to making sure all students at HPS Thrive and have a three key fucus areas:

  • Reading and Math Achievement: Strengthening core instruction and providing targeted supports to help every student grow.
  • Student Attendance: Data shows that students who miss more than 10 days of school per year experience significant negative impacts on learning. We are focused on improving attendance so every student can fully benefit from classroom instruction. 
  • Extracurricular Engagement: Our goal is for every student to be connected to at least one club, sport, or performing arts activity, helping them feel supported, involved, and connected to their school community.

Together, these priorities support our mission to ensure every student learns, grows, and thrives at HPS.

Update on Board of Education Vacancy

Following the resignation of Board member Tim Marroquin, the Board of Education held interviews on Monday, November 24 to fill the vacant seat.  Rebekah Schipper has been appointed by the board to finish out that term and will have the ability 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. 

Help Wanted: Bus Drivers
 We are actively recruiting new bus drivers – recently, a driver shortage forced us to cancel a route, and we want to prevent that from happening again.
 Why drive for HPS?

  • Pay starts at $22.30/hour for Holland Public Schools drivers.
  • Paid training.
  • CDL license fee reimbursement offered.

If you or someone you know is interested, please contact our Transportation Department at 616‑494‑2950.

Thank You Holland!

The progress across our district reflects your trust and investment in our students. These projects will ensure that Holland Public Schools remains a place where every child can learn, grow, and thrive in safe and inspiring environments.

We are grateful for your support and will continue to provide updates as projects advance.

Wishing you a warm, restful, and joyful holiday season,

Superintendent Nick Cassidy

Holland Public Schools - HPS Proud.