GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) — In response to rising costs and the expiration of federal ESSER funding, GRPS is implementing a series of reductions in the 2025-26 budget proposal designed to ensure long-term financial stability while prioritizing classroom learning and staff compensation.
The proposed 2025–26 budget totals $259.8 million, a $16.7 million decrease from the 2024–25 budget of $276.5 million.
“We remain focused on protecting the experiences of our scholars while positioning ourselves to offer more competitive compensation for school staff,” said Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby. “Our goal is to make reductions in areas with the least direct impact on scholars.”
Leadership Reductions & Salary Freezes
As part of the restructuring effort, two Cabinet roles will be eliminated following retirements. These include the Executive Director of Athletics & Dual Enrollment and the Executive Director of Professional Learning & Development. Neither role will be refilled. Additional roles at the Franklin Campus and district level are also under review for potential elimination.
Salaries for all district leadership roles (exempt group) will be frozen for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Effective immediately, all out-of-state conference travel has been paused unless fully covered by external funding.
As part of ongoing school realignment, some roles will be consolidated. For example, a single principal will lead the combined Sherwood Park and Ken-O-Sha program beginning with the 2025-26 school year.
Program Eliminations & Facility Optimization
GRPS has ended its shared-time programs and meal services for non-GRPS schools, citing a lack of adequate state funding to support these offerings. Continuing these programs would have required district funds without directly benefiting our scholars.
To further increase financial flexibility, GRPS has hired an owner’s representative to explore revenue-generating opportunities from select vacant properties.
These changes are part of a thoughtful, long-term strategy to stabilize finances while keeping scholars at the center of every decision.
Public Hearing
The public is invited to share feedback on the proposed budget during a hearing on Monday, June 23, at 5:30 p.m. in the Board Auditorium at the Franklin Campus (1331 Martin Luther King Jr. Street SE).
The 2025–26 budget is scheduled for action during the Board of Education meeting, which will begin following the hearing at 6:30 p.m.
