News Summary
The East Grand Rapids Public Schools Board has appointed David Hall as the new trustee, succeeding Amy Turner-Thole. Hall, a corporate finance attorney, will serve until the end of 2026 and has a strong background in law, finance, and community service. His experience on the East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation Board is expected to provide valuable insights as the district faces various challenges. The appointment was finalized during a board meeting, and his role is crucial for the district’s governance and strategic oversight during this pivotal time.
East Grand Rapids – The East Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education has appointed David Hall as its new trustee following the resignation of former trustee Amy Turner-Thole. Hall, a Grand Rapids attorney, will fill the vacancy left by Turner-Thole, who stepped down on September 28, 2025, to take on the role of executive director for the East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation.
David Hall was appointed during a board meeting held on October 17, 2025. He is set to serve as trustee until December 31, 2026, with the option to seek election for a full term during the November 2026 elections. His appointment comes at a crucial time for the district as it navigates various challenges and priorities.
Board President Mike Reid noted Hall’s extensive background in law, finance, government, and leadership as an asset to the board. Reid emphasized that Hall’s previous experience on the East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation Board provides him with vital insights into the district’s programs and challenges.
Professionally, David Hall is a corporate finance attorney and partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP’s Grand Rapids office. His legal and financial expertise is complemented by his involvement in various community organizations. He is a board member of the Grand Rapids Art Museum and previously served as the deputy general counsel to the Governor of Illinois in the Office of Management and Budget. Furthermore, Hall has engaged with the Project Review Committee of the Land Conservancy of West Michigan, showcasing his commitment to community service and governance.
The appointment process for the trustee position involved a competitive selection. The board reviewed seven applicants for the role. Following a meeting held on October 13, the board narrowed the candidates down to three finalists, who were subsequently interviewed during the October 17 meeting. East Grand Rapids Superintendent Heidi Kattula commended the pool of applicants, describing them as well-qualified and passionate about serving the district.
The filling of the trustee position is critical for the East Grand Rapids Public Schools Board as it works to ensure effective governance and strategic oversight during a pivotal period. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for December 1, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. This meeting will take place in the Community Room at the James E. Morse Administration Building, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to engage with the board regarding pressing educational issues and initiatives.
The East Grand Rapids community will likely benefit from Hall’s involvement, given his professional background and previous engagement with educational initiatives and community foundations. His tenure as trustee will be closely watched as he integrates into the board’s efforts to enhance educational offerings and navigate the future of the district.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: East Grand Rapids Public Schools Appoints New Board Trustee
- Wikipedia: East Grand Rapids
- Michigan Advance: Weekly Michigan Political Brief
- Google Search: Michigan politics
- The Collegiate Live: Meet GRCC Board of Trustees Candidates
- Google Scholar: Board of Trustees Michigan
- Wikipedia: General Search
- Google News: East Grand Rapids Schools
- WZZM13: Election Results Kent County August Primary 2024
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kent County Michigan
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
