JobfitMatters and Grand Rapids Christian Schools (GRCS) are pleased to announce the appointment of Aaron Winkle as the next Superintendent, effective July 1, 2024.
For the past 7.5 years, Winkle has led Living Stones Academy in Grand Rapids, nearly doubling its enrollment over that period. Under his leadership, Living Stones Academy created its first five-year strategic plan and completed two capital campaigns, raising more than $10 million.
Prior to his tenure at Living Stones Academy, Winkle spent nearly 14 years at Calvin University where he worked in the student life division, serving in such roles as Associate Chaplain. Aaron also spent a year in Lithuania as an interim administrator at LCC International University. His early career experience includes playing professional basketball in Europe and coaching college basketball.
Winkle is a graduate of Calvin University and was ordained in the Christian Reformed Church after completing his Master of Divinity degree from Calvin Seminary. A native of Lake City, Michigan, he and his wife of nearly 24 years, Betsy, have four children: Quincy (19), Annie (16), Jackson (12), and Nala (11). The family also has two Goldendoodles: Baltic (8) and Rosa (2). Baltic is a therapy dog and currently works at Living Stones Academy.
“I am honored and humbled to serve as the next superintendent for Grand Rapids Christian Schools,” Winkle said. “GRCS is made up of extraordinary staff, students, families, alumni, and donors. Together, we are followers of Jesus Christ who have been called to disciple the next generation. As I step into this new role, I will work hard to build trust with our entire community and to align our educational efforts around GRCS’s mission and values.”
Winkle was selected from an extensive list of candidates in a nationwide search conducted by Laura Coverstone and Ed Poff of JobfitMatters. Search Committee Member Caleb Doezema shared, “It was a pleasure working with Laura and Ed. I found their professionalism and commitment to the work very meaningful throughout the process. I would recommend JobfitMatters to anyone who is about to embark on a superintendent or head of school search. They did a fantastic job for GRCS!”
As the largest private, association-governed school system in Michigan, Grand Rapids Christian Schools serves over 2,300 preschool through high school students at five schools throughout metro Grand Rapids and has been in continuous operation since 1889. The mission of Grand Rapids Christian Schools is to prepare students to be effective servants of Christ in contemporary society.