Superintendent Search

Grand Rapids Public Schools, the largest and most diverse school district in West Michigan, is searching for its next leader. Our new superintendent will guide the district through the next chapter of our journey, building on recent progress while continuing to strengthen academic outcomes and expand opportunities for every scholar.

Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby will continue her leadership of our district through June 30, 2027, ensuring a strong transition for our next superintendent and continued stability for our scholars, families, and staff.

Superintendent Candidate Profile

Our entire Grand Rapids community is invited to help our district develop the candidate profile of what is most important in our next superintendent. You are invited to attend a town hall to provide this feedback in-person or complete an online survey.

Survey available August 11 – September 18, 2026

Town Halls

Tuesday, August 11, 2026, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Southwest Middle High School
327 Rumsey St. SW
Led in Spanish with English, Kinyarwanda & Swahili translation available

Wednesday, August 12, 2026, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Union High School
1800 Tremont Blvd. NW
Led in English with Kinyarwanda, Spanish & Swahili translation available

Thursday, August 13, 2026, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Ottawa Hills High School
2055 Rosewood Ave. SE
Led in English with Kinyarwanda, Spanish & Swahili translation available

Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
GRPS University
1400 Fuller Ave. NE
Led in English with Kinyarwanda, Spanish & Swahili translation available

Get To Know GRPS

  • 8th largest school district in Michigan
  • 13,000+ scholars served
  • 70+ languages spoken by GRPS families
  • 80+ countries represented by our scholar population
  • Graduation rates increasing annually

What Is The Role Of The Superintendent?

The superintendent provides leadership for the district's academic, operational, and financial success.

Working under the direction of the Grand Rapids Board of Education, the superintendent is responsible for implementing the board's vision, supporting the success and well-being of every scholar, leading 2,000 employees, overseeing the district's budget and operations, fostering strong partnerships with families and the community, and ensuring GRPS delivers high-quality educational and extracurricular opportunities for all.

Timeline

February 9, 2026
Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby’s contract extended through June 2027 as Board of Education begins its search for the next superintendent.

April 27, 2026
Board of Education selects Ray & Associates to conduct superintendent search.

June – July 2026
Board of Education develops the superintendent search timeline, community engagement plan, and job posting.

August – September 2026
Stakeholder feedback is gathered through town halls, focus groups, and an online survey to develop the superintendent candidate profile.

October 4, 2026
Application deadline

October 24, 2026
Virtual screening of candidates conducted by Ray & Associates.

October 26, 2026                 
Board of Education selects finalists.

October 28, 2026
Superintendent finalists tour the district and meet with stakeholders. The Board of Education conducts final interviews and selects the next superintendent.

To Be Determined
New superintendent’s first official workday.

June 30, 2027
Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby’s final official workday.