When Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal was first appointed superintendent nearly four years ago, she made a promise that she wouldn't ask the taxpayers or voters for anything more until she could prove the success of the GRPS Transformation Plan.
Superintendent Neal and the Grand Rapids Board of Education have achieved remarkable results with the GRPS Transformation Plan.
- Graduation rates are up.
- Test scores are up.
- Student attendance is up.
- School safety is up.
- Dual enrollment is up.
- Staff morale is up.
- The bond rating is up.
- And GRPS had the single best Count Days in two decades – positioning the district to be one of few urban district in the state to stabilize and grow enrollment.
Now Superintendent Neal is asking the community to join her and be part of the GRPS Transformation! Be part of the energy, excitement, and momentum growing.
Passage of this bond proposal is absolutely key to implement Phase II of the GRPS Transformation Plan and keeping the success going.
The bond would be invested to improve classrooms, update technology, and strengthen security.
Every school in the district will benefit.
This bond is about much more than buildings and computers. It's about the future stability and growth of GRPS. It's about smart, strategic investments so that our children and educators have the right tools and environments for 21st Century teaching and learning.
The cost to the average property owner in Grand Rapids is just $8.58 per month.
Action/Goals/Accountability
Goals of the Transformation Plan: Bond is part of Phase II of the GRPS Transformation Plan.
ACADEMICS: STRENGTHENING AND IMPROVING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
• Increasing the district graduation rate
• Reducing the district drop out rate
• Eliminating all schools from the "Priority" and "Focus" schools list
• Increasing the percentage of students who are "college ready"
• Increasing the number of effective and highly effective principals, teachers, district and support staff
ENVIRONMENT: ENSURING HIGH QUALITY EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENTS FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING
• Increasing the number of schools at or above 70% capacity
• Increasing the number of schools and classrooms with resources and technology to support teaching and learning
CULTURE: ESTABLISHING A POSITIVE CULTURE OF HIGH EXPECTATIONS, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND CUSTOMER SERVICE
• Increasing percentage of students who feel engaged and supported
• Increasing positive response from students, parents, staff and community about district and school customer service
• Reducing the percentage of students who are chronically absent
• Increasing parent participation rates at parent teacher conferences
Goals of the Bond Proposal to Secure, Connect, and Transform GRPS
- $10 million to strengthen and improve safety and school security. Investing to update entry/exit points to meet the highest safety standards and ensure students have safe and secure learning environments.
- $10 million to significantly update and improve technology for advanced teaching and learning. The vast majority of computers are 6-10 years old.
- $155 million to update and transformation classrooms and school buildings
The bond proposal is key to the successful implementation of Phase II.
Taxpayer guarantee: Double transparency and accountability
- Every project must be approved annually in a public vote by the Board of Education
- Every project will be audited annually in accordance with state law
