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 has lived in Paw Paw since 2011 and has been very involved in our community.  She has been a successful realtor since 2013 and was nominated Realtor of the Year 2024. She is on the GKAR: Advocacy Committee and Community Relations Committee.  Mary wants to bring a fresh perspective and bridge local community businesses and the school system.

Mary Beth Sons is Vice President of Paw Paws Chamber of Commerce and has been on the board for many years.  She is on the Wine and Harvest Board.  Mary Beth is a “Professional Volunteer” in Paw Paw for all major events and was given the “Heart in the Right Place” Paw Paw Chamber of Commerce  Award in 2023.

Mary Beth Sons Graduated with a BA in Education from Governors State University.  She enjoyed teaching History, English, and Religion to 6-8th grade students.

Mary Beth attends St. Mary Church where she is a Choir Member, Cantor, Lector and volunteer.  Mary Beth Lives on Lake Brownwood in Paw Paw and enjoys swimming and boating.  

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.

Tom Imus

Board Trustee

E-mail: thomas.imus@ppps.org

Term expires December 31, 2030

Tom graduated from Paw Paw High School in 1995. His wife, Kelly, is a Paw Paw graduate as well. They have raised three daughters, Sadie, Emma and Lily and a son Ryley, that are all currently enrolled in or have graduated from Paw Paw Schools. Tom is very proud of his Paw Paw roots and is very happy to share his dedication to the community and the district. Professionally, Tom is a Union Plumber and is a very dedicated advocate for the Trades.

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.