By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
The Plainwell Community Schools Board of Education welcomed its newest member at its meeting on Monday, Sept. 13.
Rex Hall was appointed to fill the vacancy on the board that expires on Dec. 31.
Hall has resided in the district since 2006. He and his wife Shelley have four children who attend PCS: daughters Avery (junior), Anna (freshman) and Quinn (sixth grade) as well as son Grant (fifth grade).
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity that I have in front of me now to serve as a school board member through the end of the year,” Hall said. “I plan to learn as much as I can from my fellow board members and our community, and my focus will be to provide steady, level-headed and responsible leadership that pushes the school district forward.”
Hall has worked for WMU Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine since 2016 and was promoted to digital media manager last March. Prior to that, he worked as a reporter with the Kalamazoo Gazette for 13 years.
Hall’s wife has served as a teacher at Hopkins Public Schools for the past two decades.
“As a father of four PCS students and the husband of a school teacher, I believe I can bring a unique perspective to the Plainwell Community Schools Board of Education that keeps the needs of our students and educators top-of-mind,” Hall said. “Additionally, I believe that my work and experience as a journalist and writer for 20-plus years has equipped me with ears that are ready and able to listen to the questions and concerns put forth by parents and PCS students, as well as other members of the community.”
Hall sees the Board of Education’s role as being a conduit between the district and the community.
“The board also has to stay intently focused on developing and setting policy, determining budget priorities and infrastructure needs, as well as developing a positive board/superintendent relationship,” he said.
As he begins his time on the board, Hall sees two primary challenges facing PCS: staffing levels/teacher retention and the mental health needs of students and staff as we continue to navigate through the COVID pandemic.
“It’s imperative that we ensure that our students and teachers have the classroom resources and support they need to have a learning and working environment that is enriching,” Hall said. “When it comes to mental health, the board has a role to play by being advocates for putting in place—and funding—the necessary resources to help students and teachers understand they’re not alone in navigating the school year or the rigors and demands of their day.”
Resources mentioned by Hall include additional counselors and teacher support staff.
Hall believes now is the perfect time to address these issues as the American Rescue Plan Act and the education budget that was signed into law in July provided an increase of 5.2 percent in per-pupil funding.
While Hall’s current term expires at the end of the calendar year, he is hoping to remain on the board beyond that. He is one of 10 candidates vying for four open seats in the November election.
To learn more about Hall’s campaign, visit https://www.facebook.com/rexhalljrforpcsboard.
“Speaking from personal experience as a parent with four children who have attended Plainwell Community Schools since 2011, I believe our district is strong and our educators provide students a learning environment day in and day out that is top-notch, engaging and supportive,” Hall said.
“Looking ahead, I believe PCS can improve even more as a district by continuing to empower its leaders and staff to be advocates for embracing and championing diversity and inclusiveness. Doing so will ensure that our schools provide a safe place where each and every student and staff member feels welcomed, valued and included, regardless of their race, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity, religion or anything else.”
