Results & Priorities

Results

Since being elected, we have done so much together. In 2022, we created a new mission and vision statements as part of our strategic plan that guides our decisions:

Mission:

"Growing Learners, Preparing Students (GLPS)”

Vision:

"Grand Ledge Public Schools will provide every student a high-quality education, critical thinking skills, and social development to reach their highest potential in a safe and inclusive environment."

Working collaboratively with fellow board members, administrators, staff, and our community, we have delivered results that live up to that mission and vision. Here are a few things that have happened since I joined the Board:

    • Adopted the cutting-edge CKLA curriculum for English/Language Arts to strengthen literacy instruction

    • Added a STEAM special for elementary students, expanding hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math

    • Implemented data-driven academic goals for each k-12 building based on the district’s Strategic Plan

    • Opened the Grand Ledge Public Schools Health Center, providing accessible health care to our youth.

    • Created and filled the Student Inclusion, Mental Health & Wellness Supervisor position and Student Safety Supervisor position to protect our students

    • Installed secure entrances at all K-12 and early childhood buildings

    • Increased transparency by live-streaming all Board of Education meetings

    • Ensured accountability by publicly posting all Board packets prior to meetings

    • Implemented a Caregiver School Improvement Team to strengthen family engagement and input

    • Implemented a new school calendar that better supports family schedules by reducing half days and placing professional development days before or after school breaks

    • Maintained consistent, responsible budgets

    • Preserved healthy fund balances

    • Achieved clean audits year after year

    • Implemented a Facilities Management Plan to proactively plan for replacements and upgrades — from Chromebooks to HVAC systems to roofs

    • Hired Superintendent Bill Barnes, providing stable and effective district leadership

    • Implemented NEOLA district policies to ensure clear, modern, and legally sound district policies

    • Implemented a Strategic Plan that guides and shapes every major decision we make

    • Maintained fair, collaborative labor agreements with GLPS staff — resulting in strong contracts with no drama

    • Shepherded successful bond projects benefiting students district-wide

    • Opened the new Wacousta building and developed plans for Old Wacousta

    • Completed district-wide HVAC improvements

    • Replaced roofs at Grand Ledge High School, Neff, and Hayes

    • Improved Hayes and Willow Ridge roads and parking lots

    • Built new classrooms at Willow Ridge

    • Added a new Art & Music Hall at Delta Center

    • Purchased new buses for safer, more reliable transportation

    • Advanced construction of the Delta Center gym (coming soon)

    • Honored community partnership through the Dave and Betty Morris property (coming soon)

Priorities for the Future

Grand Ledge Public Schools is moving in the right direction. At a time when many districts are facing declining enrollment, Grand Ledge Public Schools has experienced consistent growth over the past several years and currently serves approximately 5,500 students. Families are choosing GLPS, making our district a destination for families — and that growth brings both opportunity and responsibility.

Grand Ledge Public Schools is — as we say in our vision statement — Growing Learners, Preparing Students. I am running for reelection to continue this important work and to ensure GLPS remains a district families choose — and are proud to call home.

My priorities moving forward include:

  • Supporting strong academic outcomes by ensuring high-quality curriculum implementation and instructional excellence

  • Keeping students safe, supported, and included through continued investment in school safety, mental health, and student well-being

  • Listening to families and the community by prioritizing open communication, engagement, and accessible Board governance

  • Maintaining strong financial stewardship with responsible budgets, long-term planning, and transparency

  • Managing growth responsibly so facilities, staffing, and resources keep pace with increasing enrollment