District News

August 12, 2025

Ford Academic Center teachers get VIP classroom setup help

Teachers at Gerald R. Ford Academic Center got a little extra help preparing for the new school year from some of the state’s most recognizable leaders.

School: Gerald R. Ford Academic Center GRPS

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) -- Teachers at Gerald R. Ford Academic Center got a little extra help preparing for the new school year from some of the state’s most recognizable leaders.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Congresswoman Hillary Scholten, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, and State Representative Kristian Grant rolled up their sleeves during a visit to the school. The group joined teachers Rachel Francisco, Chamonique Griffith, and Juanita Toronto to tackle back-to-school tasks like sharpening pencils, decorating bulletin boards, and wiping down desks.

While working alongside educators, Governor Whitmer also took time to discuss the rising cost of school supplies, listening as teachers shared how the added expense impacts their classrooms and their scholars.

"I think people take for granted the amount of personal resources that teachers put in to make their classroom work for their students," Gov. Whitmer said. "Teachers like you make the big difference in all these little lives."