Greg Eding, Lakeshore Schools Superintendent

Greg grew up in Hamilton, MI, on a celery and onion farm. He graduated from Hope College and did graduate work at WMU and UM. He was at Zeeland West High School for 17 years, finishing there as the principal. He took over the job as superintendent of Lakeshore Schools in the summer of 2021. He mentioned that he thought that the problems with COVID were mostly over at that time, but he was wrong. 

After just a few weeks at his position, he saw a sign on the school’s street corner that said, “Greg Eding is a coward and a liar,” primarily due to a controversial masking mandate at the time. But from that time on, things have gone very well, mainly because “I hire well,” he said. 

Greg commented on Zeeland West and its similarities to Lakeshore. Uniquely, Zeeland West and Zeeland East are two separate schools that occupy the same campus. The schools are the same size as Lakeshore and St.Joe, and also have a fierce rivalry. “I get the rivalry thing,” said Greg. “But you have to keep it in the right light.” He added, “When goals align, you can do very special things.” One of his goals is to have Lakeshore and St. Joe Schools collaborate on common projects. 

During his tenure at Lakeshore, his primary emphasis has been on climate and culture. “If you have a good climate and culture for students, teachers, administrators, and parents, things will work out,” he said. 

Greg talked about Lakeshore’s Strategic Plan that was put into place 1 ½ years ago. He did not want a plan in a 6“binder that sat in a dusty corner. He wanted a plan that people would remember and that was actionable. The plan is for one year, and every year it is reviewed and reassessed. The main goals of the plan are: 

• Attracting, training , and growing our people. 
• Student Success. Doing everything you can to ensure the success of each student. 
• Community Relations. 

The school’s website has a dashboard that follows the progress of attaining these goals. 

Greg talked a little about the Lakeshore Excellence Foundation. The Foundation also focuses on the same strategic goals. They invest their money where it will yield the best results, not just in the “flashy” things. 

Greg is married with four adult children.