GRPS future plans include security upgrades, electric buses

Yahoo

14-02-2025

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — As Grand Rapids Public Schools celebrated progress Thursday night, it laid out plans for the future that included new campuses, security upgrades and electric buses.
GRPS Superintendent Leadriane Roby said $305 million would be invested throughout the district to create a 'more equitable GRPS.'
Among the projects she announced was a new environmental academy opening soon at Kennel Shape Park in Southeast Grand Rapids.
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'This newly-renovated space will provide many of our scholars with a closer-to-home-option for an environmental science academy experience,' Roby said.
Roby announced expansions within the district's Montessori learning spaces. Ridgemoor Park Montessori will be expanded through 8th grade with what she called 'potential for future growth.' A new pre-K through grade 12 Montessori campus will also be created on the site of what is currently Riverside Middle School in north Grand Rapids.
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'This will allow our scholars to go from pre-K through graduation in a learning environment specifically designed in the Montessori method,' Roby said.
She added that full renovations are planned for Campus Elementary, Mulick Park and Southwest Elementary Academia Bilingüe.
Through the Reimagine GRPS plan, every school will have air conditioning, which Roby said solves 'one of the top issues raised by scholars due to the 2023 engagement report.'
When it comes to extracurricular activities, all five GRPS performing arts centers will get renovations. Houseman Field, which Roby called 'the heart of GRPS athletics,' will get a new turf and track, upgraded lighting and improved locker rooms. Briggs Field and Ottawa and Union athletic fields are also getting upgrades, Roby said.
'Our scholars who dedicate themselves to performance, whether it be in music, theater or athletics, deserve a first-class stage and we are committed to delivering that.
Each GRPS school will have 'secure entryways,' Roby said, saying security cameras will be added to all campuses starting this month.
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Every school is also implementing the ',' according to Roby.
'This particular program quickly provides background checks of every visitor to our schools, helping to ensure the safety of our scholars,' Roby explained.
Noting previous transportation issues, Roby touted that Dean Transportation, the company GRPS uses to move students around, is at its highest staffing level since before the pandemic. She also said it was on schedule 93% of the time.
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Soon, Dean will launch its first electric bus in the district and aims to have 15 electric buses hit the road over the next several months, Roby announced.
Roby made a point to speak to the community about surrounding increased immigration enforcement.
'No matter who you are, you belong at GRPS. So many in our community are facing real issues due to the increased immigration enforcement and this fear is having some impact on our schools. We have scholars who are concerned when they return home from class their parents may be gone. Children are also worried that their friends may leave and never come back,' Roby explained.
A few weeks ago, on protocol for faculty to follow in the event of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid.
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'Our district protocols are in place to ensure that our schools that our schools remain a safe place for children. We vow to continue to provide support and resources to our families and our staff as we are navigating these challenging times together,' she added. 'Every child has a right to a quality education. That is a commitment that will never change at GRPS.'
Roby also focused on the district's successes touting increased enrollment and attendance over the last year. Over half of graduates from GRPS high schools enrolled in college within six months of graduation, which is the highest level in recent years, Roby said.
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