GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids Public School leaders met with parents and students Tuesday to discuss the future of its buildings.
District officials held the first of several town hall style meetings aimed at allowing community members the chance to weigh in on the district’s Facilities Master Plan. It was held at Harrison Park Academy.
READ: Grand Rapids Public Schools asks for public feedback in new facilities plan
Roughly two dozen people listened to GRPS explain why the closures need to happen. No layoffs are expected, but it's possible some teachers and staff may be sent to other schools.
According to the district, there has been a 26% decrease in the number of students enrolled at GRPS over the past 12 years.
Due to the decline, its overall building utilization level sits around 53%, significantly less than the 85% the state recommends districts maintain.
“It only makes sense,” said Victor Williams, one of the attendees. “You’ve got too much space and not enough students.”
MORE: GRPS looks to combat declining enrollment by revitalizing buildings
Three of Williams’ grandchildren are enrolled at GRPS. He believes the district’s tentative plan could address more significant needs such as increasing access to technology and retaining teachers.
“You gotta fix that and so, one of the ways to fix it is just to close schools, to consolidate and make best use of the space that you have,” said Williams.
Most of the other people in attendance appeared to be sympathetic to the district’s message, although some parents expressed concerns about how it intends to decide which buildings to close.
According to Dr. Leadriane Roby, GRPS superintendent, the district will look at quantitive data, like the age of the building, but also consider qualitative factors too, such as the school’s role in a neighborhood.
It has not yet been decided which schools will be shut down, although Roby says GRPS does not intend to close any high schools.
“There’s a little bit of angst about 'what does this mean?' Will it affect my school? Will it affect my child?,” said Rob. “We want to make sure that people understand this will be a process and we are very, very committed to be transparent and sharing the process along the way so people aren’t surprised.”
A firm hired by the district found it only needs 21 of its 44 education facilities. They project GRPS could save $4 million in annual operational costs. Additional dollars could be saved with maintenance work no longer needed too.
Roby says that’s money that could be used to re-invest in students, staff, and other programs.
“What do they want for their schools, not just now, but in the future?,” said Roby. “I think it’s really important that we engage people and have some tough conversations, but also imagine and dream about what the future could be.”
Roby adds GRPS will likely phase in the closures beginning with the 2024-2025 academic year.
More meetings will be held over the next month. Click here to learn more about other opportunities to participate.
