Brent McNitt

Board President

E-mail: brent.mcnitt@ppps.org

Term expires December 31, 2026

Brent has been an active member of the community since 2001. His consulting and advisory businesses are based in Paw Paw, and he and his wife Heather are currently raising three future Paw Paw graduates (classes of 2023, 2025 and 2029 respectively). Brent attended Western Michigan University and has a degree in Organizational and Interpersonal Communications. Brent is the current president of Paw Paw Youth Baseball/Softball and enjoys coaching youth teams in basketball and softball. Professionally, Brent is an award-winning speaker and presenter, who has recently been awarded the Partnership of the Year Award by Allstate Financial, presented for working with a local agent to improve their business. Both of his parents are former school principals and his wife is a high school teacher. On serving on the Board, “Serving is to fulfill a tremendous responsibility which was given to me by the voters of Paw Paw to make Paw Paw Public Schools the best place possible to educate our children, and to ensure it reflects the values of this great community.”

Mary Beth Sons

Board Trustee

E-mail: marybeth.sons@ppps.org

Term expires December 31, 2026

Mary Beth Sons is committed to revitalizing the Paw Paw School Board by connecting local businesses with the education system to benefit students, staff, and the community. As a successful Realtor with over 12 years of experience, she brings valuable insights into how the residential market influences school enrollment and community dynamics. Mary Beth’s background as a middle school teacher on Chicago’s South Side equips her with a deep understanding of educational challenges and opportunities. She believes that by working together, we can inspire every student to realize their full potential. 

A keen awareness of the dynamic business landscape in our area and its impact on the residential housing market, particularly regarding the Paw Paw School System is a huge asset. She recognizes how fluctuations in home sales influence school enrollment, the tax base, and the shifting demographics of our community. Her insights will be helpful for understanding the interconnectedness of housing and education in our region. 

Mary Beth Sons believes that success breeds success and knows how to inspire children to their fullest potential. BA in Education from Governors State University, specializing in History and English, she taught middle school on Chicago’s South Side, focusing on subjects like U.S. History and Religion. She consistently brought value to her students' education. With her perseverance, integrity, and commitment to innovation, she embodies a lifelong learner dedicated to making a difference. Mary Beth is also known for her ability to listen with grace, consideration, and respect, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued as she works to achieve meaningful outcomes. 

She has thoroughly studied current educational issues and recognizes the importance of collaborating with teachers and staff to develop innovative learning solutions for Paw Paw students. She has firsthand experience with the challenges faced by alternative learners and is committed to supporting them on their path to success. Understanding that there are many ways to learn, Mary Beth believes that by working together as a community, we can create an environment where all students thrive. Her dedication to fostering collaboration and inclusivity is key to achieving this goal. 

Mary Beth believes in making Paw Paw a thriving community through business and school collaboration. She understands the importance of this partnership and is committed to ensuring that this initiative continues to grow and succeed. Her unwavering support and proactive involvement are essential to building a vibrant community. 

Mary Beth has received the "Heart in the Right Place" award from the Chamber of Commerce 2023 for her dedication and care for our community. As a passionate advocate, she actively volunteers her time at her church, the Paw Paw Chamber of Commerce, and various Village of Paw Paw events. She has also been nominated for “Realtor of the Year" with Greater Kalamazoo Area Association of Realtors 2024.

• 7 years on the board of The Paw Paw Chamber of Commerce 

• Held position as Vice-President and Treasurer on Paw Paw’s Chamber of Commerce 

• 6 year board member Paw Paw Wine and Harvest/Chairperson for the Grape Stomp 

• St. Mary Church Choir member; Lector 

• Many years working on school Music and Theater Programs as Assistant Director 

• 20+ years as children's school Religious Education Instructor/Director of Nativity Play 

• Virtus Certified Religious Teacher 

• Community Relations Committee at GKAR 

• Advocacy Committee at GKAR 

• Professional Development Committee at GKA 

• Nominated for the GKAR Realtor of the Year 2024 

Mary Beth Sons has nearly 12.5 years of experience as a successful Realtor, an educational background as a middle school teacher, and her deep involvement in the community, she is well-equipped to make a positive impact. Her proven communication and negotiation skills will be invaluable in fostering collaboration among educators, parents, and the community. Mary Beth's commitment to education and her deep insights into the needs of our students make her a strong advocate for positive change in our schools. 

“I am excited to dedicate myself to enriching the lives of children and families in our community.” “I am committed to advancing the mission of Paw Paw Public Schools by developing, supporting, challenging, and inspiring every child for lifelong success. Together, we can build a brighter future.

Nathan Mitchell

Board Trustee

E-mail: nathan.mitchell@ppps.org

Term expires December 31, 2028

Hello my name is Nathan Mitchell. I graduated from Bangor Public School in 2006. I attended KVCC and Western Michigan University where I studied psychology and accounting. I currently work for Sedgwick as an Senior Short Term Disability Examiner. My wife and I moved to Paw Paw 10 years ago because of the school district and the community.

We knew we wanted our children to attend PPPS because of all the amazing opportunities they offer. We now have three young children in the district, 3rd grade, 1st grade and Young 5’s. Our children have attended an awesome summer school program geared towards outdoor learning. They have participated in Flag and rocket football. They attended Theater camp, which they absolutely loved! They all have also had the opportunity to join T-ball, instructional softball and 7/8 baseball. The expectation on the teachers reflects in our children, we have been nothing but pleased with their education. I’m glad to be apart of making the best decisions we can for the students education and wellbeing, while also supporting our amazing teachers along the way. Our children will be in the district for the next 12 years, I plan to be here to support PPPS for the years to come.

Sarah Thomas

Board Trustee

E-mail: sarah.thomas@ppps.org

Appointed 8-12-2024, Term expires next school board election November 2024

As both a parent in the district and a lifelong member of this community, I am deeply committed to the success of our schools and the well-being of our students and educators. I am honored to serve. My primary goal is to support and enhance the educational experience for every student in our district. With a strong commitment to transparency, equity, and collaboration, I am dedicated to working alongside our community, educators, and fellow board members to make informed decisions that positively impact our schools. Together we can foster a healthy and safe environment where all students have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. I look forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of our district.

Ray Martin

Board Secretary

E-mail: ray.martin@ppps.org

Term expires December 31, 2028

Ray is a 1991 graduate of Mattawan Consolidated Schools. His four older children also attended Mattawan. His wife, Jennifer, is a 1989 graduate of Paw Paw Public Schools. Their youngest child attends Paw Paw and is a member of the class of 2029. After high school, Ray entered the United States Navy nuclear power program. He completed the program and served as a mechanic in the engine room of the USS Rhode Island, a ballistic missile submarine also known as a Trident. After his time in the military, Ray began his career in the skilled trades. For over 23 years he has served in this field as an industrial maintenance mechanic. Currently, he is employed by Denso Manufacturing of Michigan in Battle Creek. Ray has attended classes at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, as well as many other training opportunities to improve his knowledge in his career field. Service to his community is important. Ray currently serves as the chairman of the deacon board at his church and is a member of the Planning Commission for Van Buren county. He has also served as a coach in AYSO soccer in Mattawan. As a member of the Paw Paw Public School Board, Ray hopes to be able to continue helping the school district grow and help our children receive the best education possible.

Dale Pease

Board Vice President

E-mail: dale.pease@ppps.org

Term expires December 31, 2028

Dale is an alumnus of Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in integrated supply management and has his executive MBA is from California State University. Dale currently holds a leadership position as the Senior Director of Operations. Dale and his wife Jennifer have two children, Brayden and Kaylin who both attend Paw Paw Public schools. Since moving to the community in 2010, Dale has been actively involved in Paw Paw Youth Baseball/Softball helping to coach both his children’s teams and has served previously as a member of the Paw Paw Schools facility committee and school board. As a board member, Dale’s objective is to help the Paw Paw Schools continue to provide quality education, improve programs and manage the tough budgeting conditions we face today.

Lindsay Clark

Board Trustee

E-mail: lindsay.clark@ppps.org

Term expires December 31, 2024

Lindsay Clark is a Van Buren County native who studied Secondary Education at Western Michigan University and then went on to earn her Master’s degree from Calvin College. She has been working in public education since 2006. During that time she has served as an elementary and secondary teacher and coach, and now works as a Special Education Teacher Consultant. In 2018, she earned a Regional Special Educator Award.  Lindsay and her husband Eric share three young and beautiful children. Two are currently attending Paw Paw Early Elementary, and one can’t wait to be a Red Wolf.  Lindsay volunteers as a board member for the Paw Paw Youth Baseball and Softball Program, and as a member of the Women’s Ministry team at her church.  She is excited for this opportunity to serve her town and community. Lindsay believes strongly in public education and is honored to be able to be part of a team that is dedicated to creating the best educational system possible for our community. She hopes to use her educational background to help guide her as a board member. As a board member, she hopes to create strong communication between the community, the staff, and the board in order to meet the needs of our growing school district.