Board of Education candidates answer our questions
Ben Randle
Randle has been a member of the Hamilton Community Schools Board of Education since August of 2017, after undergoing the interview and appointment process, filling the position of an outgoing member. The graduate of Western Michigan University is the general manager of GDW Farms, LLC. His wife, Michele, is a third grade teacher at Hamilton Elementary and he has four children, Emma (junior, GVSU), Matt (sophomore, WMU), Allie (high school senior), and Mason (high school junior). He’s been a Hamilton High School coach for 11 years.
Why running?
Running for the school board is a continuing effort to serve our community as best I can. The thriving school system in Hamilton is a very large machine that never stops running. We have great people in place to put our students in the best position to succeed and I see the school board as a way to support this entity in the best way possible. Being able to support the mission of the school and also be available to help solve challenges is something I very much appreciate and have enjoyed doing.
Priorities for district?
Hamilton Community Schools have provided a quality educational experience for years. This experience needs to continue, without fail, for all students. My priorities are to support the staff of Hamilton Community Schools as they work toward providing the best possible education for the students of our district and to help with the guidance of our school when called upon.
Heath Meyer
Born and raised in Hamilton, Meyer is a 2005 graduate. He graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2009 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resource Management. Meyer is an excavator in the Hamilton area for Generation III Excavating. His wife, Ashley, and 2-year-old son, Garhett, are members of Bentheim Reformed Church.
Why running?
I have decided to run for the Hamilton Community Schools Board of Education, because I believe that it is important to be an active member of your community. I was raised in the Hamilton area, graduated from Hamilton High School, and my wife and I are raising our son, Garhett, in this community. It is important to me to be involved and invested in the community that has given my family and I so much and the community we have decided to raise our family.
Priorities for district?
Adding rigor to curriculum for students of all levels. Ensuring students at all levels have the ability to grow. Preserving and ensuring all students have the skills necessary, both the soft skills and academic skills, to be successful following graduation. Ensuring Hamilton Community staff is given the tools and training necessary to perform their jobs to the highest standard while being held accountable for their performance based on their evaluations.
Carl Marshall
After spending three years in the Army, Marshall returned home to Michigan, graduating in 2002 with a degree in mechanical engineering from Kettering University. He is a proud parent of two Hamilton students, Haleigh, a junior, and Michael, a freshman. Marshall is a member of the Facilities Planning Group and an Assistant Scout Master in the local Boy Scout Troop 33.
Why running?
I am running for the school board because I feel community service is important. I also feel I have the necessary qualifications and diverse background to be a contributing and effective board member. Today's youth need positive role models. I can't think of a better way to continue to serve and be a positive role model than to be a Trustee on the Hamilton Board of Education. I hope you will consider me as one of your selections in the upcoming election.
Priorities for district?
My number one priority will always be the students! I will work hard to make sure our teachers and staff have the necessary tools to maintain a high-quality education as well as provide a safe learning environment. I will look to increase the number of opportunities available to all students. I also pledge to care for and to maintain the facilities entrusted to us by the Hamilton community.
Craig Van Beek
A husband and a father to two girls in Hamilton Community Schools (6th grade & 11th grade), Van Beek is a current foster home provider for Allegan County. He is a lead pastor to two local churches, treasurer of Hamilton Athletic Boosters, Lay Servant Board Member for the Kalamazoo District of UMC, mentor for elementary-aged children and Hamilton community member for more than 25 years.
Why running?
From my background in ministry, I have a passion to serve the community and make a positive impact for Hamilton schools and its children. I would be honored and blessed to come alongside the current members to continue towards the common goal of making our schools the best they can be. The current boards that I am serving on have ignited a spark in me to serve at the next level. I believe that level is the Hamilton Board of Education.
Priorities for district?
I want to be an ACTIVE Board Member. I want to help bridge the gap with differences and tough decisions in order to better serve the community. I feel my history and experience in the areas I am currently serving, will complement the existing Board Members, and their goals for the school system going forward.
Loren Joostberns
Joostberns has been a board member since 2013. The 1970 Hamilton graduate, also graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and graduate work in the teaching of social studies. He taught his entire career in the social studies department at Hamilton High School. He’s been the P.A. announcer for all football games for almost 40 years. Joostberns is a member of the Hamilton Lions Club and Haven Reformed Church where he has served as Elder and Deacon.
Why running?
I believe that my involvement over the years in various capacities of service reflects my commitment and passion for Hamilton Community Schools. Having served on the board for the past 6 years, I would like to help with the continued progress and successes of our district.
Priorities for district?
Maintain a safe and secure environment in which maximum educational activity can take place. Provide more technical and vocational training opportunities for our students. Continue to be a responsible steward of the district’s finances and be sensitive to the concerns of the taxpayers.
