CONFIDENTIAL DRAFT: ‘Reimagine’: GRPS leadership

makes recommendation on school buildings

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) — Grand Rapids Public Schools leaders have
shared recommended changes to the Board of Education regarding the use of the
school district’s buildings in the years to come and the use of the $305 million
bond overwhelmingly passed by voters in the November election.

The proposal takes actionable steps to realign programs to better meet the needs
of GRPS scholars. The foundation of the recommendations comes from intentional
feedback collected from the community over the last two years illustrating what
our scholars, their families, and staff want to see in their schools moving forward.
Feedback from GRPS neighbors and supporters was also instrumental.

“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:

This ambitious proposal suggests structural changes that aim to better serve the
needs of our scholars. Before delving into the details, it's important to note that
these recommendations are currently at the proposal stage. Before this work is
voted on by the Board of Education, there will be opportunities for the community
to engage with the Board and district leadership and provide feedback on the
proposal.

Financial Impact:

One of the key elements of this proposal is the consolidation of 10 schools over
the next several years. This is projected to save the district a substantial $63
million in outstanding maintenance costs and repairs. It also means an annual
savings of $2.3 million in routine maintenance. These savings will be redirected
towards enhancing our learning spaces and programs for GRPS scholars.

Utilization and Comfort:

Currently, our buildings are only half full. These recommendations are designed to
bring the utilization rate to an estimated 73% districtwide. Ensuring comfort for
our scholars, plans include providing air conditioning in every academic building
by 2029.

Equity and Scholar-Centric Approach:

At the core of these changes is the commitment to equity, ensuring that all
scholars have access to the best education, regardless of their location within the
city. This proposal suggests more mirroring of offerings available to scholars on
the north side of town to those who live in southeast and southwest side
neighborhoods. The needs of our scholars today and in the future are prioritized
throughout the proposal.

Strategic Moves:

The proposal outlines several strategic moves, such as the consolidation of

middle-high campuses, bringing together legacy learning institutions like Union,
Ottawa Hills, and Innovation Central High Schools with supporting middle schools.
This mirrors successful GRPS programs like City Middle High, CA Frost
Environmental Academy, Southwest Middle High, and Grand Rapids University
Preparatory Academy that have proven effective in providing a holistic education.

Mirroring Theme Offerings:

In an effort to expand innovative programs, the proposal suggests increasing
theme offerings on the Southeast Side. This includes recommendations for a new
environmental science program at Ken-O-Sha that would join the International
Baccalaureate Global Studies program currently housed at Sherwood at a newly-
renovated campus.

GRPS Montessori Programs:

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Recognizing the success of the our district’s Montessori programs, the proposal
aims to create a Pre-K through 12 experience by bringing together the Grand
Rapids Montessori and North Park Montessori programs under one roof.
Additionally, the Ridgemoor Montessori would expand on the South Side, offering
closer-to-home opportunities for southeast and southwest neighborhoods.

The Grand Rapids Montessori program has utilized shared space for years and this
program allows scholars to come together under one roof encouraging interaction
across grade-levels and a better implementation of the Montessori method.

Community Engagement and Future Developments:

GRPS is committed to engaging with the community throughout this process. As
buildings come offline, discussions will be held with neighbors to determine future
uses, including the possibility of affordable family housing, community centers,
parkland or green space.

Innovation Hubs:

The proposal introduces the concept of "Innovation Hubs," envisioned as learning

spaces with special themes for our children. These hubs could potentially be
established through partnerships with local colleges, universities, or medical
institutions, fostering unique learning experiences and enhancing community
engagement with our schools.

Community Input:

This proposal is a result of extensive work and community feedback, but it is

essential to emphasize that it is still a proposal. GRPS welcomes community input
and encourages everyone to share their thoughts and concerns. Detailed
information on how to get involved in this process is available on the GRPS
website.

Proposed Timeline:

The implementation of these changes is proposed as a carefully planned process

that will span several years. The team was intentional about prioritizing
renovations that result in school closures and savings to the districts. Bond dollars
are released in a series of three payments over the next several years, so projects
are strategically timed to coordinate with the availability of funds. The timelines in
this recommendation are estimates that would be refined once project bids are
completed and work is scheduled.

Year Key Changes

2024-2025 East Leonard Elementary and
Stocking Elementary relocate.

Stocking families transition to Sibley

Elementary or Harrison Park
Academy.

East Leonard families move to Coit

Creative Arts Academy or Kent Hills
Elementary.
2025-2026 Alger Middle School scholars move
to Ottawa Campus.
Year Key Changes
2024-2025 East Leonard Elementary and
Stocking Elementary relocate.

Stocking families transition to Sibley

Elementary or Harrison Park
Academy.

East Leonard families move to Coit

Creative Arts Academy or Kent Hills
Elementary.
2025-2026 Alger Middle School scholars move
to Ottawa Campus.

Alger Middle undergoes renovation

for a new elementary school (soon
to be new home to Brookside
Elementary).

Innovation Central introduces a new

middle school program, accepting
scholars from Riverside Middle.

Ken-O-Sha scholars relocate to

nearby Sherwood Park for one year,
allowing for a complete renovation at
Ken-O-Sha without impacting
learning.

Riverside undergoes addition and

renovation for a new Montessori
campus.

Southeast Career Pathways program

moves to renovated space at the
former Sigsbee School site.
2026-2027 Renovated Ken-O-Sha campus
opens with a new environmental
science program and International
Baccalaureate Global Studies
program.

Alger Middle opens as a new

elementary school and accepts
scholars from Brookside Elementary.
 Southeast Career Pathways program
moves to renovated space at the
former Sigsbee School site.
2026-2027 Renovated Ken-O-Sha campus
opens with a new environmental
science program and International
Baccalaureate Global Studies
program.

Alger Middle opens as a new

elementary school and accepts
scholars from Brookside Elementary.

All PK-12 Montessori programming

on the north side consolidates at the
renovated and expanded Riverside
campus.

Extensive renovation begins at North

Park Montessori, planning to reopen
in 2027 as a new neighborhood
elementary school.
2027-2028 Scholars from Palmer and Aberdeen
elementary move to either newly
renovated North Park Elementary or
recently upgraded Kent Hills
Elementary.
2028-2029 Westwood scholars transition to a
new middle school program on the
Union Campus.

2029 Major renovations at Mulick Park

Elementary, Campus Elementary
2030 Major renovation at Southwest
Elementary.
2031 Ridgemoor Park to renovate and
expand through eighth grade by
2031.

Enhancing Fine Arts and Athletics facilities:

The plan includes renovation work at all five of the GRPS Performing Arts
Auditoriums, improvements at all three of the district’s pools, and major upgrades
at athletic facilities including the beloved and historic Houseman Field.

Safety, Security, Playgrounds, and Technology:

There are funds set aside for upgrades throughout the district when it comes to
safety and security — this includes the addition of secure entrances where
needed, and upgrades to safe-schools technology. Playground upgrades and
classroom technology enhancements are also slated as part of the work to
completed using bond funds.

Conclusion:

As we embark on this journey to Reimagine GRPS, we express our gratitude to the

community for their partnership and valuable input. Together, we can shape a
brighter future for the Grand Rapids Public Schools, providing our children with
the education they truly deserve.