GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS)— The Grand Rapids Board of Education is piloting a new initiative to provide more opportunities for the public to engage in dialogue with the Board of Education.
“Coffee with the Board” is a time where community members will be invited to meet and have conversation with board members outside of the formal confines of the regular board meetings.
The gatherings will include small groups of 4 or fewer board members with an open invitation to community members to attend the gatherings.
The first Coffee with the Board meeting will take place on April 15 from 5:30 - 6:15 p.m. at the Library Building just to the east of the Franklin Campus Administration Building where board meetings are normally held.
“We’ve heard our community tell us that they want to engage with us. They want to hear our thoughts and responses to their concerns where appropriate,” Grand Rapids Board of Education President Kimberley Williams said. “The public comment space designated in the board meetings is an important time and will remain in place, but we’re hopeful that the Coffee with the Board opportunities will allow space for us to have conversations with our constituents.”
The Board is piloting these meetings and will establish a cadence for these opportunities after receiving feedback from the community.
