Ronald VanErmen served Holt Public Schools as assistant superintendent for communications and business. He started with Holt Schools in 1979 as director of business services, which soon transformed into an assistant superintendent, a position he held until his death in 1994. VanErmen was educated at the University of Detroit, Wayne State University, and Western Michigan University. He directed the construction of Washington Woods Middle School and Horizon Elementary School, a $24 million project, as well as the renovation/addition to Hope Middle School and renovations to all other district buildings during his tenure. 

In 1988, VanErmen was the driving force behind the creation of the Holt School Business Alliance, which soon became the Holt-Dimondale School Business Alliance, an organization still active and thriving today. VanErmen wanted the group to be unique, so he worked hard to ensure it was mutually beneficial for the school, businesses, and government involved. The Alliance served as a model for similar organizations statewide. In Spring 1993, the Alliance formed the Ronald VanErmen Scholarship which has been given annually since to deserving Holt students "with the ability to pursue a college education, but a lack of sufficient funds." 

Holt High School's (now Holt Junior High School) Troost Field is home to the Ronald VanErmen Press Box.