GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — Grand Rapids voters overwhelmingly passed a Grand Rapids Public Schools bonding proposal in the November election that will generate $305 million.
Now, GRPS leaders are sharing their recommendations to use those funds as well as their vision for the future of the district's buildings in the years to come.
Over the next several years, the district is proposing to consolidate 10 schools. Right now, GRPS buildings are half-full. District leaders say these recommendations will bring up the utilization rate to around 73%.
These building closures will save the district $63 million in deferred maintenance costs, and more than $2 million every year in routine maintenance costs.
Every academic building ranked in the bottom 10 of the 2022 Plante Moran Facilities Assessment will be closed or receive renovations.
Consolidating middle-high campuses like Union, Ottawa Hills, and Innovation Central High Schools with supporting middle schools is part of the proposal.
No staff will be laid off, and GRPS said by 2029, air conditioning will be available districtwide.
Before a vote by the Board of Education, the community will have time to share feedback about the proposal.
“In constructing this proposal, our mission served as our guiding light. This recommendation is a bold step toward realizing our vision of a world-class district. By consolidating schools, fostering equity, and strategically reorganizing our educational landscape, we are ensuring that every scholar’s academic, social, emotional, and physical needs are prioritized,” GRPS Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby said. “This transformative approach reflects our commitment to high achievement, and preparing our scholars for success.”
The proposal also includes a plan to bring Grand Rapids Montessori and North Park Montessori programs under one roof. The Ridgemoor Montessori program would expand on the south side as well.
Schools to be repurposed
Aberdeen Academy - 2027
PreK-5 scholars will relocate to Kent Hills Elementary or the newly renovated neighborhood school at the site currently being utilized by North Park Montessori. Scholars in grades 6-8 will move to the new middle school program at the Innovation Central campus.
Brookside Elementary - 2026
Scholars will relocate to the newly renovated space at the site that currently houses Alger Middle School.
East Leonard Elementary - 2024
Scholars will relocate to Kent Hills Elementary or Coit Creative Arts Academy.
Grand Rapids Montessori Academy (Fountain) - 2026
Scholars will relocate to the newly renovated space at the site that is currently being utilized by Riverside Middle School.
North Park ECC @ Wellerwood - 2026
Scholars will relocate to the newly renovated space at the site that is currently being utilized by Riverside Middle School.
Palmer Elementary - 2027
Scholars will relocate to Kent Hills Elementary or the newly renovated neighborhood school located at the site currently being utilized by North Park Montessori.
Sherwood Park Global Studies Academy - 2026
Scholars will relocate to the newly renovated campus at Ken-O-Sha Park.
Southeast Career Pathways (Jefferson) - 2025
Scholars will relocate to the former Sigsbee school after renovations are complete.
Stocking Elementary - 2024
Scholars will relocate to Harrison Park Academy or Sibley Elementary.
Westwood Middle School - 2028
Scholars will relocate to the new middle school program on the Union campus.
Dates that you can share your feedback
Nov. 13: GRPS leadership presents recommendations at the Board of Education work session which will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Franklin Campus Auditorium
Nov. 14: All-Staff Forum
Nov. 20: GR Board of Education receives feedback on the plan at a 5:30 p.m. public hearing and at its regular 6:30 p.m. Board Meeting at the Franklin Campus Auditorium
Nov. 27: Virtual Scholar/Community Feedback Session at 6:30 p.m. via ZOOM
Nov. 28: Northeast Scholar/Community Feedback Session at 6:30 p.m. at City High Middle School Auditorium
Dec. 4: GR Board of Education receives feedback on the plan at its regular 6:30 p.m. Board Meeting at the Franklin Campus Auditorium
Dec. 5: Southeast Scholar/Community Feedback Session at 6:30 p.m. at Ottawa Hills High School Auditorium December 6: Southwest Scholar/Community Feedback Session at 6:30 p.m. at Burton Middle School Auditorium (Spanish-led meeting available)
Dec. 7: Northwest Scholar/Community Feedback Session at 6:30 p.m. at Union High School gymnasium
Dec. 11: GR Board of Education work session to focus on reviewing community feedback at 5:30 p.m. at the Franklin Campus Auditorium
Dec. 18: Board of Education expected to vote on the facilities realignment plan at its regular 6:30 p.m. meeting at the Franklin Campus Auditorium
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