Speciality Programming Updates
Building a Strong, Sustainable Future Together: The Future of Programming at Zeeland Public Schools
Dear Zeeland Families,
Zeeland Public Schools has always been a place where people care deeply about kids, about programs, and about doing things the right way. That care is exactly what's guiding the changes we're sharing now. This year, we have worked hard to create equitable access to specialty programs, realign support systems to meet the needs of all students, and cut the deficit in the general (instructional) budget.
We are thoughtfully reshaping our specialty programming to ensure it remains strong, equitable, and sustainable for the long term. This month's update will describe the new alignment of our specialty programming with its essential components. In the coming weeks and days, you will also receive information on how to enroll in this programming for 2026-2027.
What's Driving These Decisions?
Like most districts in Michigan, Zeeland Public Schools has faced declining enrollment over the past few years. In Michigan, a decrease in student numbers results in reduced state funding. Despite this challenge, ZPS remains committed to expanding access to high-quality educational programs.
About 90% of our general operating budget goes towards personnel. That's where the heart of our district lives, but it also means there isn't much flexibility when enrollment drops.
It's also important to clarify a common misconception: bond funds cannot be used to pay for staff salaries or instructional programming. Bonds are legally restricted to expenditures such as building improvements and infrastructure. While they are essential for maintaining safe, modern facilities, bond funds do not address everyday operational challenges because they are legally separated from our general funds.
Fortunately, due to Zeeland's prudent financial management over time, we are not in a state of crisis. We are making small, strategic adjustments, have carefully analyzed data, listened to feedback, including survey data, and made informed, student-centered decisions now so we can proactively address our financial situation before it necessitates more drastic measures.
A Clear Path Forward for Specialty Programming
Beginning in 2026-27, Zeeland Public Schools will offer two strong PK-5 specialty pathways, one on each side of the district, with intentional middle school extensions.This structure preserves the depth and quality families expect, creates balance across the district, and allows us to invest our resources where they make the biggest impact for our students.
Spanish Immersion (Z·SI)
East Track, Grades PreK-5: Lincoln Elementary → Cityside Middle School
What's staying the same:
Spanish Immersion remains a deeply valued program in Zeeland.
The mission and vision remain intact
Continued focus on bilingualism, biliteracy, and biculturalism
Michigan State Standards taught primarily in Spanish
Specialized curriculum and trained immersion teachers
Admission through parent choice
A clear continuation into Cityside Middle School with immersion maintenance courses. Students currently enrolled in 6th or 7th grade Spanish Immersion at Creekside can complete their middle school experience there.
What's changing:
Spanish Immersion will be gradually consolidated into one elementary location.
Location: Lincoln Elementary
Track: East Track, feeding into Cityside Middle School
This will happen over several years, beginning by not enrolling a kindergarten section at New Groningen, so currently enrolled families can continue programming uninterrupted.
Strengthened to a Single Elementary Location
This change strengthens Spanish Immersion for the long term by:
Improving instructional consistency and staffing stability
Creating more equitable access to resources
Addressing under-filled sections as enrollment patterns shift
Streamlining communication and building a more unified immersion community
Keeping class sizes closer to caps so the program remains sustainable
Zeeland Project-Based Learning (Z·PBL)
West Track, Grades PreK-5: Quincy Elementary → Creekside Middle School
Z·PBL is an exciting new specialty program that combines the best elements of the Gifted & Talented and ZQuest programs. It responds to strong community interest in outdoor, place-based, and farm-connected learning, all within a sustainable and efficient framework. This innovative approach will inspire a new generation of Zeeland lifelong learners.
What makes Z·PBL special
An extension of the popular PreK farm school experience currently offered through our Early Childhood Center
Standards-aligned learning through real-world, meaningful projects
Strong emphasis on collaboration, creativity, problem-solving, and communication
Learning that extends beyond classroom walls into outdoor and community settings
Operates on the traditional school calendar
Admission through parent choice
Located within an existing school, keeping students connected to their broader school community
Outdoor and place-based learning
PreK-> 2: Structured farm-based learning experiences
Grades 3-5: On-campus outdoor education and project work
Literacy and math instruction remain protected and central to learning
Why Z·PBL replaces GT and ZQuest
Data and feedback showed us some clear truths:
Families value project-based learning deeply.
Stand-alone specialty schools have become increasingly expensive as enrollment declines.
Invitation-only models and alternative calendars created barriers for many students and families.
Z·PBL allows us to expand access, reduce overhead, and offer a high-quality specialty experience that more families can choose, while building a clear, sustainable west-side pathway. If you are a family with a current elementary student who had been part of ZQuest or hoped to be part of the GT program, ZPBL may be the space for you. Information will also be coming home soon about a new extended-learning opportunity offered at every elementary building for fourth- and fifth-grade students.
Middle School Continuation (Grades 6-8)
We heard the feedback loud and clear about continuity. Specialty learning does not stop at elementary.
Spanish Immersion continues at Cityside Middle School through Spanish language arts and social studies.
Z·PBL extends into Creekside Middle School through project-based and real-world science learning opportunities open to Creekside students.
Z·Virtual: Expanding Flexible High School Pathways
As part of our work to create sustainable and innovative programming, Venture and Michigan Virtual coursework will transition into a unified online pathway called Z·Virtual.
Z·Virtual will expand opportunities for students who thrive in a flexible learning environment. Students may enroll in individual online courses while remaining connected to their home school, or choose to participate as full-time online learners supported by Zeeland educators at home or at school.
This updated model allows us to: Provide a clear and cohesive online pathway, maintain rigorous academic expectations,
offer greater scheduling flexibility for athletics, arts, work, travel, or individualized learning needs, and operate within a more sustainable staffing and financial structure.
Our commitment to personalized learning has not changed. What is evolving is the structure that will keep these options strong and viable for years to come.
More information about enrollment and course options for Z·Virtual will be shared soon.
What Stays the Same for ALL Programming
Even as structures evolve, our core commitments do not.
High expectations for student learning
Strong relationships between students and staff
Access to meaningful opportunities across academics, arts, and activities
A unified high school campus where all students come together
Families continue to choose Zeeland because of our people, our programs, and our sense of belonging. That remains at the heart of every decision we make.
Looking Ahead
In the coming weeks:
Staff have received detailed information and opportunities for conversation.
Families will receive enrollment details, timelines, and next steps.
Work sessions will continue to shape implementation thoughtfully and responsibly.
We understand that change can be challenging, particularly when so many are deeply invested. We promise to communicate, listen with empathy, and navigate this journey together. We know that many families may have questions during this time, and we want you to know that we are here for you. Please don't hesitate to reach out to your building principal for any family-related inquiries. For programming questions, feel free to contact:
Julie Paterick, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction (jpateric@zps.org)
Autumn Dawdy, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services (adawdy@zps.org)
Brandy Navetta, Director of Communications and Marketing (bnavetta@zps.org)
We are eagerly anticipating the bright future that lies ahead for Zeeland Public Schools. Our schools are home to exceptionally talented students and dedicated staff who are ready to excel and flourish. We are fully committed to creating a robust, sustainable environment for the students we serve today and for those who will benefit from our programs in the future.
Rodney R. Hetherton
Superintendent
