District News

UPDATE: Classes canceled Tuesday.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) — Twenty-two Grand Rapids Public Schools buildings have been impacted by the water main break and subsequent boil water advisory issued by the City of Grand Rapids.

The GRPS sites that fall within the impact area identified by the city are as follows:

• Aberdeen Elementary 
• Center for Economicology 
• City High Middle 
• Coit Creative Arts Academy 
• Congress Elementary 
• East Leonard Elementary 
• Gerald R. Ford Academic Center 
• Grand Rapids Learning Center 
• Grand Rapids Montessori Academy 
• Grand Rapids Montessori Middle High 
• Grand Rapids Public Museum High School 
• Grand Rapids UPrep 
• Innovation Central High School 
• Kent Hills Elementary 
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy 
• North Park Montessori | Wellerwood 
• Palmer Elementary 
• Riverside Middle School 
• GRPS Nutrition Services Building 
• GRPS Facilities & Operations Building 
• GRPS University 

GRPS was already scheduled to be closed to students Monday for a staff in-service day. Staff scheduled to work at the above sites received special instructions from the district. With exceptions for facilities, security, and some food service staff, most team member have been instructed to work remotely for the day.

City officials have indicated that the boil water advisory could remain in effect at least through Wednesday. GRPS leaders will announce a decision about classes Tuesday before the close of business Monday.

“Our first goal is always safety. That will be the focus of any decision we make. We’ll be gathering with leadership and operations teams to determine the appropriate next steps for the district,” GRPS Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby said. “We are grateful for our partners at the City of Grand Rapids for keeping us informed as we navigate this situation as a community.”

City officials provided a map indicating the area impacted by the water main break. Residents and businesses within the impacted area have been advised to boil water before using it because the water may contain harmful bacteria due to the loss of pressure in the system caused by the water main break.

Water from the tap should not be used for drinking or food preparation. If tap water is used for handwashing, users should then use hand sanitizer as well.

More information from the City of Grand Rapids can be found by clicking here. GRPS will update this article with new information on the impact the boil water advisory is having on schools.