GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) – For Karla Finn, Grand Rapids Public Schools has always felt like home. From her first days as a student at Burr Oak Elementary to her graduation from Creston High School, GRPS shaped her journey. Now, she’s leading the next generation as Principal of C.A. Frost Environmental Science Academy Elementary and Blandford School.
“GRPS is where I was meant to be,” Finn said. “I'm a proud GRPS principal and a product of GRPS. We grow our own here, and we do a great job.”
Her passion for education stems from personal experience.
“I struggled to learn when I was little,” Finn recalled. “I didn't want anybody to struggle the way I struggled, so I decided teaching was the thing for me to do.”
Those early challenges shaped her leadership style. Finn prioritizes listening, ensuring that CA Frost is a place where everyone feels welcomed and supported.
“I'm a servant leader. I will listen with an open heart and an open mind,” Finn said. “We celebrate all the learning that we do and I want them to know that they can come to me whenever they need to.”
“This is just such an amazing school!”
