GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — Anna Johnson has kids who attend Brookside Elementary School.
Under the Reimagine GRPS proposal, Brookside students would be moving into Alger Middle School.
"I think the lack of details and how this is going to increase staff retention, student retention, encourage more families to attend," said Johnson. "I've yet to see that. And I look forward to seeing it in the future."
As of right now, 68% of the Brookside building is being used.
However, as a whole, the district's buildings are just 51% used.
The plan, according to the superintendent, would bump those numbers up to around 73-75%.
"Brookside needs more space, we have a beautiful campus that will be very sad to lose," said Johnson. "But we need a bigger space. And this move will allow us to have more space increase in early childhood center. So those are the exciting things."
GRPS introduced its new plan one week ago, and since then, the school district has been fielding questions about how the closing and consolidation of 10 buildings will impact students, teachers and families.
"A lot of it is excitement for some changes and improvements that will come that I think we've communicated well will ultimately benefit our scholars in the long run," said Communications Director Leon Hendrix.
Jayne Niemann, Vice President of the Grand Rapids Education Association, shared with the school board some feedback they've received since the announcement.
"As we go through this process, thinking about combining 7th through 12th, or 6th through 12th, middle school and high school, there were some concerns as to bullying and making sure that kids are kept separate in common spaces," said Niemann during the school boards public meeting.
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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