Dear Alger Middle School Families:
As we round out a successful school year, we are already looking to what's ahead for the next. We are excited to share some changes to our leadership team aimed at inspiring and uplifting the achievement of our scholars across the district.
These changes are part of a larger shift in leadership throughout GRPS and we’re excited to see the new heights we can achieve.
Bernard Colton will transition to a new role as Athletic Director at Ottawa Hills High School. We’re excited that Mr. Colton will continue to serve many of the scholars he worked with at the middle school level. Mr. Colton worked tirelessly on behalf of our scholars. His positive personality made him a power recruiter for Alger. We thank him for his years of committed leadership at Alger and we know he will serve our athletic teams well at the high school level.
Charlie Lovelady will be promoted to Alger Middle School Principal. Mr. Lovelady is an experienced administrator with roots on the southeast side. He has a strong connection with our scholars and he keeps our children central in the work he does each day. His responsiveness to the needs of our community and his diverse professional educational experiences will serve him well as he takes on this new leadership challenge.
Mr. Lovelady has shared his excitement about his new role.
I am honored and humbled to serve as the new principal of Alger Middle School and I look forward to continued relationships growth with our scholars, parents, teachers, and community partners. My door is always open, and I sincerely welcome your input and support. I am excited about all we will accomplish together for our scholars and look forward to celebrating our collective success this coming school year.
– Mr. Charlie Lovelady
Dr. Mulonge Kalumbula will join the Alger team as Assistant Principal. Dr. Kalumbula is currently serving as an AP at Westwood Middle School. He is a strong and empathic leader guided by his commitment to equitable learning for all. He brings instructional and curriculum expertise that will serve our scholars well.
Adrianne Wolf has accepted a new role as Assistant Principal at Westwood Middle School. Mrs. Wolf has served as our School Improvement Facilitator this school year and has demonstrated her strong leadership potential and her commitment to our scholars. She is detailed, perceptive, and understanding — all skills that will serve her well in her new leadership role.
These transitions go into effect next school year and are aimed at making us stronger and preparing our team to take Grand Rapids Public Schools to the next level — for our scholars, for our community, and for our future.
Please connect with Executive Director Dr. Karl Nelson if you have any questions about these changes.
Here’s to a strong finish to a great school year!
Sincerely,
Leadriane Roby, Ph.D.
Superintendent
