Announcing the ZCS Interim Head of School

ZCS Interim Head of School

Many of you have covered ZCS and its leadership in prayer over the past few months, especially as we walk through this season of transition. Thank you! Our themes of being grateful, prayerful, and thoughtful continue. Today, we are delighted to announce that Tom DeJonge, retiring superintendent of Grand Rapids Christian Schools, will serve as ZCS Interim Head of School during the ‘24-‘25 school year. Tom will work hand-in-hand with the Leadership Team and Board as we usher in a new academic year and prepare for the next. Tom’s commitment to the mission and values of Zeeland Christian, combined with his experience, will equip us well. Our hearts are full of gratitude for the Lord’s provision. 

Experience

Tom will retire from 20 years of service at Grand Rapids Christian on June 30, 2024 and will begin as the ZCS Interim Head of School, part-time on July 1, 2024. Prior to serving as GRCS’ Superintendent, Tom served for 25 years in various educational settings, including two years as Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources at West Ottawa Public Schools, three years as Director of Community and Human Relations at Wyoming Public Schools, 13 years as an elementary principal at both Wyoming and Kenowa Hills Public Schools, and seven years as an elementary special education and early childhood classroom teacher at Forest Hills and Grand Rapids Public Schools.

With a passion for Christian education, Tom believes flourishing Christian schools are a result of and accomplished through prayer, strategic financial leadership, wise decision-making, and the strong commitment of dedicated parents, staff, and students. Tom has extensive experience in strategic planning, board governance, human resources, financial management, instructional pedagogy, and building a strong culture of philanthropy.

Family

Tom resides in Grand Rapids with his wife, Jacquie, a School Psychologist in Forest Hills Public Schools who will also retire at the close of the current school year. Tom and Jacquie have two married children: Leah DeJonge Rinker (Glen Ellyn IL), a teacher at Wheaton Academy, a Christian high school located in suburban Chicago; and Austin DeJonge (Brooklyn NY), a Creative Director at a large firm in New York City. Tom and Jacquie have one granddaughter, Eloise, who turns one in August.

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The Board considers this partnership with Tom a treasured answer to prayer. We are eager to witness God’s faithful provision as we continue through the transitions ahead. Please feel free to email any questions for the Board to zcsboard@zcs.org. Alternatively, board members will be available to answer questions on Friday, May 17, from 2-3:30pm in the Office Conference Room. Thank you for partnering with us as we look together toward the future of ZCS!