Thomas DeJonge

Thomas DeJonge serves as Superintendent of Grand Rapids Christian Schools, a private, faith-based school system that enrolls 2,350 students in Preschool – 12th Grade on five (5) campuses located throughout the Grand Rapids community. He has held that position since 2004.  Prior to serving as GRCS’ Superintendent, Mr. DeJonge served for 25 years in building-level and central administrative and teaching positions in public schools located throughout West Michigan, including serving two years as Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, three years as Director of Community and Human Relations, 13 years as an elementary principal, and seven years as an elementary special education and early childhood classroom teacher.

Under his leadership as superintendent, Grand Rapids Christian Schools has:

• raised and invested more than $70 million in new capital construction and facility renovations at each of the district’s five campuses, including more than $45 million at Grand Rapids Christian High School alone, in order to ensure GRCS’ facilities align with and support its broad range of educational programs and instructional priorities;
• eliminated nearly $23 million in operational debt;
• increased the Grand Rapids Christian School Foundation from $4 million to more than $16 million;
• doubled the Schools’ annual fund, which provides resources for financial aid and educational programs, to nearly $1.7 million per year; and
• revised Grand Rapids Christian Schools’ Articles of Incorporation, governing bylaws, governance structures, and policy handbook.

Mr. DeJonge has extensive experience in strategic planning, spearheading three strategic plans in his tenure as GRCS’ superintendent.

Mr. DeJonge resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife, Jacquie, a School Psychologist. He has two adult children: Leah DeJonge Rinker, a teacher at Wheaton Academy, a faith-based high school located in suburban Chicago; and Austin DeJonge, a senior art director at VML, an advertising agency located in New Your City.