GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) -- GRPS is expanding efforts to increase transparency and deepen community understanding of the district’s budgeting process through its new School Budget 101 Workshop series.
The first session, held April 29, was hosted by the Business Office in partnership with Family and Community Engagement (FACE). Those who were unable to attend can watch a recording of the workshop below.
The session began with a presentation from Chief Financial Officer Rhonda Kribs, who outlined district revenue sources, statewide and local enrollment trends, and provided historical context on GRPS budgets and fund balances.
Participants then took part in a hands-on activity, working collaboratively to build a simplified budget for an individual school, offering a look at the decisions and trade-offs involved in school finance.
“We want our community to have a clear, accessible understanding of how school funding works and the choices that shape our budget,” Kribs said. “We’re using what we learn from participants to strengthen future sessions and create more opportunities for engagement.”
Additional workshops are being planned for the 2026-27 school year.