Mission Statement: Hartford Public Schools is dedicated to fostering a love of learning in an innovative, cooperative, and safe climate which empowers students to be productive, caring and respectful citizens that are prepared for their future endeavors.
Vision Statement: Create an appealing school district that produces major gains in student achievement and helps make a more prideful and pleasant community to live and work.
Central Office Staff responsibilities and duties-
Brad Geesaman- Superintendent
Brad has worked for the District for 10 years. He started as Principal of Woodside Elementary. After 4 years as Principal, Brad moved into the Director of Curriculum and Assessment position. He was promoted to Assistant Superintendent last summer. In the spring of 2021, he was appointed Interim Superintendent. As of July 1, 2022, he has taken on the role of Superintendent. Brad is looking forward to championing our culture work this year. He will be leading the Capturing Kids Hearts process, helping establish positive relationships throughout the District for our staff and students.
Bess Hodges- Director of Curriculum, Assessment, and Safety
This is Bess's 5th year in the District. She served 3 years as the Assistant Principal at Redwood Elementary. Prior to that, she was an administrator for 5 years in Florida. She is looking forward to supporting our District leaders and high levels of learning for all students. Bess's responsibilities will include:
- Curriculum
- Instruction
- Assessment
- Professional Development
- Teacher Evaluation and Mentoring
- District Safety
Stephanie Walker- Finance Director
Stephanie took over the role of Finance Director in February of 2023. She was previously employed by St. Joseph County ISD and Paw Paw Public Schools. Stephanie's responsibilities will include:
- Preparing, administering, and monitoring the District budget
- Advising the Superintendent, Board, and Principals on financial matters
- Audits
Jordan Parker- Superintendent's Secretary
Jordan has been working for the District for 8 years. She previously served as the Athletic Secretary. Her role includes the following:
- Human Resources - (job postings, new hire paperwork, applications, etc.)
- Contracts
- Certifications
- Board meetings - agendas and minutes
- Scheduling appointments with the Superintendent
Carrie Kellogg- Central Office Secretary
Carrie is the first smiling face the community sees when they come to the Central Office. She is in her 4th year working for the District. Carrie also worked for PNC Bank for 15 years. Her job responsibilities include:
- Deposits and cash receipts
- Facility use and van requests
- Account balances for student funds and activities
Kara Weberg- Payroll/Account Specialist
Kara is in her 4th year serving as the Payroll/Account Specialist. Kara is an HPS alum and attended Western Michigan University. Her responsibilities include:
- Payroll processing
- Benefits
- Retirement
- Accounts Payable (i.e. purchase orders, bills that need to be paid)
Kristen Deckard- Communications Specialist/Transportation Secretary
Kristen has filled several important roles for the District including Guidance office secretary, paraprofessional, and High School secretary. She has been with the District for 8 years. Kristen has taken on another critical role for the HPS team as the new Transportation/Communications/Social Media Specialist. Her responsibilities will include:
- Transportation registration and changes
- Bus discipline records (for discipline given by the drivers)
- Superintendent's newsletter
- HPS website and social media platforms
- Communications during events - weather, special events, safety situations, etc. (All Calls, text alerts, letters)
Marilyn Mead- Student Information Specialist
Marilyn has been working for the District for a total of 10 years. She took a brief hiatus to work for the ISD during the 2022-2023 school year. This year, she will be working for both the ISD and HPS. She will be In the District three days a week - Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Her responsibilities include:
- PowerSchool Administrator (parent portal)
- State reporting
- Testing
- School of Choice
Derrick Price- District Site Coordinator for Technology Services
Derrick is our District Site Coordinator for technology. He will support our HPS team 2-3 days per week through the ISD. Previously, Derrick served 8 years as the IT Manager for Hopkins Public Schools. His responsibilities will center on administrative duties of our technology services related to the budget and maintenance of our equipment and network.