GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) – On a night showcasing the incredible talent within GRPS, Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby shared updates on the ongoing progress to Reimagine GRPS and outlined her vision for the district’s future.
“I am proud to say GRPS is a district on the rise,” Dr. Roby exclaimed in the opening of her first State of Our Schools address.
Dr. Roby highlighted several points of pride, including graduation rates being above the statewide average, an increase in the number of graduates enrolling in college, attendance rates improving, and enrollment levels rising for the first time since 2016.
“We believe the transformative initiatives of Reimagine GRPS will not only strengthen our schools but also inspire families to return and thrive in our district,” Dr. Roby said.
REIMAGINE GRPS FACILITY PLAN
“We have dozens of exciting projects on the way to improve our learning spaces, performance halls, and athletic facilities. Thanks to our community's strong support, we are investing $305 million throughout our district,” she explained. “We will create a more equitable GRPS. This includes mirroring academic programs in our city.”
The plan includes creating a new environmental science academy at Ken-O-Sha Park. There will also be a new Pre-K through 12th grade Montessori campus at the current site of Riverside Middle School and an expansion of Ridgemoor Park Montessori. Massive renovations are also planned at Campus Elementary, Mulick Park Elementary, and Southwest Elementary Academia Bilingüe.
“We are also solving one of the top issues raised by scholars in our 2023 Engagement Report,” Dr. Roby said. “Through the Reimagine GRPS plan, every school will have air conditioning.”
All five GRPS performing arts centers and several athletic facilities will also be renovated.
“Our scholars who dedicate themselves to performance - whether in music, theater or athletics - deserve a first-class stage. And we are committed to delivering it,” Dr. Roby said.
SAFETY
“Our top priority remains the safety of our scholars and staff,” Dr. Roby added. “The Reimagine GRPS plan will allow us to reach our goal of having a secure entrance at every GRPS-owned school.”
GRPS is adding more security cameras and implementing the use of the Raptor Visitor Management System at all schools.
The GRPS Public Safety and School Security team has also given away more than 1,000 gun locks at school and community events this school year, to help ensure that weapons remain out of reach of children.
TRANSPORTATION
“One of the biggest challenges that we faced coming out of the pandemic was providing reliable transportation for our scholars,” she said. “We agreed when parents told us that this was unacceptable, and we got to work with Dean Transportation to find solutions.”
Dr. Roby highlighted a new Parent Transportation Advisory Council, Dean job fairs, and a dashboard that tracks Dean’s on-time performance.
“I am proud to share with you tonight that Dean Transportation is at its highest staffing levels since before the pandemic,” Dr. Roby said. “In fact, Dean has not had to double up a single route this school year or cancel transportation for athletics.”
Dr. Roby touted that thanks to grants from the State of Michigan and the Environmental Protection Agency, Dean Transportation will launch 15 electric buses starting later this year.
“Transitioning to electric is more than just an upgrade, it's a commitment to our community and environment,” she said.
GRPS TEACHERS
Dr. Roby shared that GRPS has cut teacher vacancies in half over the past two years. She credited innovative initiatives like Teach Michigan, which provides stipends for teachers. She also said that new programs like a Hispanic hiring initiative and the revitalized Grow Your Own program will soon start to have impacts.
GRPS is also actively encouraging its current scholars to explore careers in education through programs like the Grand Rapids Community Teachers Initiative.
“Fifteen GRPS seniors are currently dual enrolled in our first cohort to begin their journey into teaching,” Dr. Roby explained. “Thanks to a generous donation, they will attend college earning a teaching degree from Michigan State University at no cost to them.”
Dr. Roby also announced that the Academy of Teaching, Learning and Social Justice at Innovation Central High School will soon be named in honor of Hattie Beverly. Beverly, a graduate of Central High School, became the first black teacher in the district’s history in 1899.
“We will dedicate our teaching academy in her name next week, forever honoring her legacy to our city,” Dr. Roby said.
BELONGING
The Superintendent concluded her remarks by reinforcing that everyone belongs at GRPS.
“So many in our community are facing real fears due to increased immigration enforcement,” Dr. Roby explained. “We have scholars who are concerned that when they return home from class, their parents might be gone. Children are worried that their friends may leave and never come back.”
Dr. Roby thanked staff for helping to provide comfort to scholars and families and explained that GRPS has visitor protocols in place to ensure that schools remain a safe place.
“Let me state this clearly, every child has a right to a quality education and that commitment will never change at GRPS,” Dr. Roby said.
KICKOFF TO THE NIGHT
The evening began with dynamic performances from the Ottawa Hills High School Drumline and the Coit Creative Arts Academy Honors Choir. Staff Notes, a choir made up of GRPS music educators, performed the national anthem as the Union High School JROTC presented colors.
New Board of Education President Kymberlie Davis welcomed those in attendance.
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for being here,” President Davis said. “Your support is the driving force behind our mission, and together, we are shaping the future of education in Grand Rapids.”
Barrett Vernon, a senior at Innovation Central High School, shared his experience at GRPS.
“I have found tremendous care for not only my academic ambitions, but my personal well-being and happiness,” Vernon said. “I’m very grateful that when I graduate in three months’ time, it will be with a diploma that says Grand Rapids Public Schools.”
Mayor of the City of Grand Rapids, David LaGrand, introduced Dr. Roby.
“Public schools look a lot like democracy done right,” Mayor LaGrand said. “Everybody gets to come and everybody counts. Can you imagine a better dream than that? Schools are probably our most foundational community building block.”
