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Cedar Springs board appoints Brent Willett to fill trustee vacancy after candidate interviews
Summary
After interviewing two finalists — Tim Smith and Brent Willett — the board appointed Brent Willett to the vacant trustee seat by roll-call vote; trustees described both candidates as strong and discussed scoring and fit before the decision.
The Cedar Springs Public Schools Board of Education appointed Brent Willett to a vacant trustee seat Jan. 19 after interviewing two candidates and discussing their responses.
Trustees used a packet of standardized interview questions and a "stoplight" evaluation tool to assess candidates. Tim Smith and Brent Willett each answered a series of governance-focused questions about student-centered decision-making, the board–superintendent relationship, ethics and community engagement.
In the interview, Tim Smith cited his experience as a foster parent, library board trustee and small-business leader, and emphasized collaboration, data-informed budgeting and avoiding micromanagement of the superintendent. Willett described a career in education, classroom and program-level examples of using data, community engagement strategies and a commitment to professional development; he said he plans to run in the upcoming election.
Board members reflected on strengths from both candidates, shared scores and impressions, and then a trustee moved to extend an offer to Willett. Roll-call votes were recorded with multiple trustees answering "Yes," and the motion carried. The board chair said staff will follow up with the selected candidate and with the other applicant.
Trustees asked staff to provide feedback to both applicants and to continue outreach to community members during the transition.
