GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) -- The Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) and the Grand Rapids Education Association (GREA) are using the services of a state-appointed mediator, at no additional cost to the district or GREA, to assist the parties with reaching a consensus on the ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations.
The mediator, Mr. Tom Zulch, has been a Labor Mediator with the State since 2017 and is a former labor attorney working for the Police Officers Labor Council from 2004 through 2017 and the Detroit Police Officers Association from 1999 to 2004. Mr. Zulch brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the negotiation process. The district welcomes his assistance as we work towards a mutually agreed-upon contract and is happy with the progress made thus far in mediation.
There have been two mediation sessions to date - September 23 and September 30. The next scheduled session is set to take place on October 28, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it true that GRPS has a general fund balance of $40 million?
No. 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. View General Fund Balance Graph.
Why hasn’t the latest GRPS proposal been shared with the community?
GRPS and the GREA are using the services of a state-appointed mediator, at no additional cost to the district or GREA, to assist the parties with reaching a consensus on the ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations. The negotiations that happen during mediation are confidential.
The final district proposal made before mediation is available to view here.
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.
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 budget cuts has the district made?
The district reduced spending by millions of dollars in the 2025-26 budget by implementing several district-level reductions, including:
- Eliminated 25 districtwide positions, including two Cabinet-level roles.
- Instituted a salary freeze for administrators for the 2025-26 school year.
- Reduced multiple department budgets.
- Paused out-of-state conference travel unless fully covered by external funding.
What’s next in negotiations?
There have been two mediation sessions to date - September 23 and September 30. The next scheduled session is set to take place on October 28, 2025.