District News

What is the latest proposal from GRPS? 

The Board of Education has proposed an average salary increase of 4.5% for GREA members. The proposal raises the starting pay for teachers with a bachelor’s degree to a level that is 10% above the Michigan average, according to data from the National Education Association. The proposal would represent an additional $4 million investment for the 2025-26 school year. You can view the full proposal on grps.org.

How much would the latest GREA proposal cost?

The GREA’s proposal would require an additional $10.9 million compared to the 2024-25 school year.

How much money does GRPS have in its general fund?

The district’s projected general fund balance was $28.3 million on June 30, 2025. The district currently projects a fund balance of $14.7 million on June 30, 2026.

How does the GREA proposal impact the general fund balance?

The GREA proposal would bring the district’s general fund balance below 5% of general fund operating revenues. This level is below Board of Education policy and would require additional oversight by the state.

How does instructional spending at GRPS compare with other area districts?

GRPS ranks second among traditional school districts in Kent County on expenditures for instructional programming per pupil, according the Michigan Department of Education’s 1014 Bulletin published in February 2025. 

What is the teacher retention rate at GRPS?

95% of teachers from the end of the 2024-25 school year returned to the district for the start of the 2025-26 school year.

What’s next in negotiations?

GRPS and GREA have two additional sessions scheduled in September.

What is the status of negotiations for a full-year calendar? 

GRPS has been working with the GREA since April to finalize the 2025–26 school year calendar. In August, GRPS submitted its fourth calendar proposal and is currently awaiting a response from the GREA. Tentative key dates are available for families on the district calendar on grps.org.