District News

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) – The Grand Rapids Board of Education has approved placing a ‘Warm, Safe, Dry, and Connected’ sinking fund millage on the August ballot.

GRPS is one of the few districts in the area without a sinking fund. These funds are primarily used for emergency repairs, building renovations, construction projects, technology upgrades, and school security improvements.

The Board of Education approved asking voters to consider a 0.95-mill sinking fund over 10 years. If approved, the owner of a home with a market value of $300,000 would pay approximately $11.88 per month. The sinking fund is expected to generate about $7 million annually for the district.

Currently, GRPS has a total millage rate of 3.85, ranking 24th out of 27 school districts in Kent County. If approved, 20 other school districts would still have a higher millage rate than GRPS.

“Providing safe, well-maintained, and up-to-date learning environments is essential to supporting our scholars and staff,” said Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby. “Our district remains committed to being responsible stewards of our community’s investment. We are grateful for the continued trust and support of our community.”

“As the Board of Education, our responsibility is to ensure our schools are prepared to support learning every day,” said Board of Education President JoséRodriguez. “This proposal gives our community the opportunity to consider a dedicated funding source to maintain and improve our facilities."

All sinking fund expenditures are audited annually by the Michigan Department of Treasury to ensure compliance.

Election Day is Tuesday, August 4.