Administration
Mr. Chad Conklin is a graduate of Central Michigan University and has earned a Degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University. He has worked for Godwin Heights Public Schools since 2000. Chad has served the district in many capacities, including as a teacher, coach, Athletic Director, and Principal of Godwin Heights High School. Mr. Conklin is currently serving as Superintendent of Godwin Heights Public Schools.
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Mrs. Michelle Krynicki holds an undergraduate degree from Alma College and a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University. In 1997, Mrs. Krynicki began working at Godwin Heights Public Schools, starting as an elementary teacher and basketball coach. Transitioning through a variety of roles, Mrs. Krynicki enjoys the daily opportunity to better understand how the school community can work together to impact student learning.
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Mr. Matt Hickson has a Master of Public Administration degree from Central Michigan University and a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Baker. He joined Godwin Heights Public Schools in 2011 and previously served as Director of Business and Finance for Bridgeport Spaulding Community Schools and Durand Area Schools. He also served as an auditor for Abraham & Gaffney CPAs in the East Lansing area.
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Mr. Mike Porco joined the Godwin Heights staff in 2014 after serving as Dean of Students and Athletic Director at Grandville Middle School for 5 years, and as Dean of Students at Grandville High School for 6 years. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Western Michigan University in Sports Administration and is a certified physical education and health teacher. Mr. Porco has enjoyed working with student-athletes and is now serving as the Principal at Godwin Heights High School and the Learning Center.
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My name is Patti Reeder, and in 2025, I began my role as Assistant Principal at Godwin Heights High School. My time at Godwin, however, began way back in Fall 2011 as a student teacher before teaching math full-time at the high school. I have spent almost my entire career here at Godwin, and it is truly my home. I graduated from Aquinas College with a Bachelor of Science degree, including teaching certification in grades 6-12 mathematics and K-12 English as a Second Language (ESL). I also have a Masters in Education with a reading concentration from Augustana University and a second Masters in Educational Leadership and Inclusion from Calvin University. I grew up here in Grand Rapids and have lived here my whole life. My passion for teaching goes way back (both my parents were in education), and in fact, I have wanted to be a teacher since I was little to the point where I used to play school with my friends! I love our Godwin Family and creating lifelong relationships with staff and students. I am proud to be a Wolverine!
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Mrs. Kim Urbanski is a graduate of Alma College and has earned a Degree in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University. She has worked for Godwin Heights Public Schools since 2013. Kim has served the district in many capacities, including as a teacher and coach. She is currently serving in the role of Principal of Godwin Heights Middle School.
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Mr. Michael Durga is a graduate of Olivet College and holds a degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University. He has dedicated 12 years to teaching and has been part of Godwin Heights Public Schools since 2014. As a teacher at Godwin Heights, Mr. Durga taught mathematics at the high school level for five years before transitioning to the Learning Center, where he taught for an additional two years. He then moved into administration, serving as the Dean of Students for both the Middle School and Learning Center. Mr. Durga currently serves as the Assistant Principal of the Middle School, continuing his commitment to fostering student success and building strong school communities.
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Mr. Minard holds a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership, as well as a B.S. degree in Physical Education and Elementary Education from Grand Valley State University. He has worked as an administrator at Godwin Heights Public Schools since 2011, currently serving as the principal of North Godwin Elementary. Steve began his academic career as a teacher, Athletic Director, and coach at Walker Charter Academy, followed by five years as the Assistant Principal at Vanguard Charter Academy. Steve is a dedicated and effective leader who strives each day to build strong academic foundations for all students.
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Mrs. Karen Baum holds an undergraduate degree from Calvin University. She also holds a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University and a Master of Science in Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. She has been a member of the Godwin Heights staff since 2014. She started as an Instructional Specialist before becoming the Principal at West Godwin Elementary. She loves Godwin Heights Community and serving the youngest Wolverines every day.
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Dr. Derek Cooley has a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education from Central Michigan University, a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University, and a Doctorate in special education from Western Michigan University. Before joining Godwin Heights, Derek was the principal of a school for students with disabilities. Derek began his career as a special education teacher at Greenville Middle School.
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Mr. Brandon Kimble is a Grand Rapids native and an Olivet College graduate with a B.A. in Criminal Justice. After graduating from college, he began a career as an academic coordinator for East Kentwood High School and later transitioned to become the youth engagement coordinator for Network 180. Before accepting the role of athletic director, he served as a career coach for the Kent Intermediate School District. Mr. Kimble's connection to Godwin Heights began in 2015 when he began serving as an assistant football coach. In 2018, he had the opportunity to be named the head coach of the varsity football program at Godwin Heights High School.
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Mr. Troy Maleport is a graduate of Godwin Heights High School who earned his bachelor's degree from Grand Valley State University. He has worked in many roles in the district since 2013. Troy has served as a coach, media clerk, attendance clerk, and as a Youth Development Coordinator during his time at Godwin.
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Jessica Haslacker is serving as the Dean of Students at the Middle School and Learning Center.
Ms. Haslacker is a graduate of Western Michigan University and holds a degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University. She began her career with Godwin Heights Public Schools in 2002 as an elementary educator and subsequently assumed additional responsibilities as a coach within the district. Ms. Haslacker currently serves as the Dean of Students at the middle school, where she is committed to fostering a positive and supportive educational environment. Her work emphasizes the importance of cultivating strong relationships with students as a foundation for academic and personal success.
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