[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6693459,"mediaKeyId","2111021-7c8be3764368e6e35462f34a3058c20f","parentId",2111021,"title","Superintendent outlines school protocols for ICE visits as community urges Grand Rapids Public Schools to declare sanctuary status","audioSeconds",355,"startMs",4140000,"endMs",4495000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2111021-7c8be3764368e6e35462f34a3058c20f&start=4140&end=4495","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2111021-7c8be3764368e6e35462f34a3058c20f/thumbnail_4140000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6693459/Michigan/Superintendent-outlines-school-protocols-for-ICE-visits-as-community-urges-Grand-Rapids-Public-Schools-to-declare-sanctuary-status","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6693459-b3ad0037133ef439bd69852b9d808e4d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775949444&Signature=ILOYSI0Xxr0XFw96diQGpCq62gURnYkcMWo3WMXr4cutPE7feKzcuMGQtyKC2R2VUFGBmltmeRm4tt08CC9~uJMiKR45e4f~cU5a6Dco0Ls0ZPo-IF88NPDI-fxZHIOewmAaxedk6OIEr1cW3jLDzDBnxu-o~RY68llhCJzYPx1ym1eMaGKMdn2osmU~svaNOWbyB4P~eeY93B6A3bLrpmDu9iT-4oePYN3WiCEuQ6gssh~7lcJJ7cTOPtWJ-ORqxcVNR7ek0eJzR30l9TOHSi0nIyOvT~7biysa8GM1KkMHQZ5IO9Xrwd~jvR~lVLW7nkWo~z8FyGiY9alj0~joqg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Grand Rapids Public Schools","date","2025-01-14T18:25:41.437Z","article","Superintendent Dr. Leidrian Roby presented an overview of Grand Rapids Public Schools' protocols for handling visits by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the board's Jan. 13 meeting and described steps the district is taking to share information and support families.

Roby said the district has clarified procedures for responding to visitors, including federal agents: visitors are to be greeted at the main office, asked to state their purpose and show identification, and school staff should not release students without appropriate documentation. She cited protections under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and noted district counsel and partnerships with local law enforcement and elected officials to ensure accurate guidance.

In response to board questions, Roby said enforcement actions in \"protected areas\" historically have narrow exceptions (for example, imminent risk or hot pursuit) and that in most cases visitors are stopped at the office and school officials may require a warrant before releasing student information or permitting further access. She said the district is preparing communications for families and staff and will reconvene the topic at a work session at month's end.

Public comment at the meeting included multiple students and community members who urged the board to adopt a sanctuary-district policy. Students who identified themselves as members of the Student Association for Leadership and Transformation (SALT) asked the board to formally designate Grand Rapids Public Schools as a sanctuary district to protect families facing immigration enforcement. Parents, community organizers and educators likewise called for a clear, public policy and for outreach to immigrant families explaining how schools will respond.

Board members and speakers referenced guidance documents including a 2021 memorandum and earlier federal guidance that treat schools as sensitive or protected locations; a board member noted that an administration change at the federal level could alter enforcement policy and urged the board to plan accordingly. Roby said the district will continue to share resources, encourage families to update contact information and coordinate with legal counsel and community partners.

The board set the matter for additional discussion at an upcoming work session and signaled a commitment to provide updated resources and to walk through scenario planning with the board and community.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","GRPS Board of Education Meeting -- January 13, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Superintendent Leidrian Roby reviewed district protocols for handling Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) visits and reiterated legal protections; community members and students urged the board to declare Grand Rapids Public Schools a sanctuary district.","taxTitle","Grand Rapids Public Schools, School Boards, Michigan","taxId",13449,"location","Michigan","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6693463,"Grand Rapids Public Schools highlights HBCU initiative; district reports multiple scholarship offers",529,555000,1084000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2111021-7c8be3764368e6e35462f34a3058c20f&start=555&end=1084","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2111021-7c8be3764368e6e35462f34a3058c20f/thumbnail_555000.jpg","/articles/6693463/Michigan/Grand-Rapids-Public-Schools-highlights-HBCU-initiative-district-reports-multiple-scholarship-offers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6693463-aa18b66dd835c595ba7893d774c067e6/orig.mp4?Expires=1775949444&Signature=hFOh6BdoufJVuwDKBP5O1GN8fO04lYaOP~hpS46r1PBU7oxHNt7VoSuVpr7N926URWK1oeYi5hOZlKQBzX2UfydC--zVDfbhopUoHg9Or4ss7L7Ghn6nyQH0qPj6LNOHNAwgrhwEGCs6QofwxeSFKAJf~-eKriIfrANnVzOtWyAgEupu0pcq4TIECr1G04oghU-Co8L1hYeKcEsPv3B1pY1OyCrDnDCXmuYT-F20n5coAlZN-uq6XBaC~RZOtliGV23UDaQqDcW9V4XT6t6L3AKQgT1nYp6i7g3rtKOZ8YnfTrrkacZjiOcYdU6FKUwXRJFugb5czQ4nbKuC5X~frA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Grand Rapids Public Schools on Jan. 13 presented its HBCU initiative, a districtwide program that took students to historically Black colleges and universities to increase exposure to postsecondary options and supports.

Superintendent Dr. Leidrian Roby introduced the segment and invited Bridgette Chaney, executive director (HBCU initiative partner), who described a year of activity including campus visits, expos and scholarship opportunities. Chaney and school leaders said the pilot expanded in 2024 and that the district will run an application process for the spring trip and future cohorts.

Principal Kenyatta Hillhall (UPrep) and Aliyah Armstrong (school renewal specialist, Promise Neighborhood) described student experiences. The presenters said scholars completed college-application exercises, practiced writing essays and resumes, attended three expos and met admissions staff. The district said students also attended Central State University and other campuses.

District presenters provided figures from recent trips:

- Fall 2024 trip to Central State University: 11 students accepted and nine scholarships awarded totaling $36,000.
- Fall 2024 HBCU Expo in Detroit: five students accepted on the spot and five scholarships totaling $60,000.
- Spring 2024 HBCU Expo in Chicago: five scholarships totaling $87,500.

Chaney said the program had capacity limits; the district has capped participation at roughly 40 students and will use an application and selection process for districtwide participation. Presenters said criteria will vary somewhat by partner campus but that the district's process will include a student letter of recommendation and alignment with expectations for college campus readiness. Presenters emphasized that participants must be Grand Rapids Public Schools students.

The presenters described social-emotional benefits in addition to scholarship outcomes: increased sense of belonging, mentorship connections and exposure to campus culture. Students and staff who spoke in the presentation described the trips as \"life changing\" and a source of increased motivation to pursue college.

Superintendent Roby and Chaney said the initiative will continue with a spring trip under consideration to Georgia and Tennessee and ongoing HBCU expos and application outreach.","District and community partners described a districtwide HBCU initiative that exposed students to historically Black colleges and universities and produced scholarships and acceptances from multiple campuses.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6693467,"Grand Rapids school board elects new officers, adopts meeting schedule and approves consent agenda",356,107000,463000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2111021-7c8be3764368e6e35462f34a3058c20f&start=107&end=463","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2111021-7c8be3764368e6e35462f34a3058c20f/thumbnail_107000.jpg","/articles/6693467/Michigan/Grand-Rapids-school-board-elects-new-officers-adopts-meeting-schedule-and-approves-consent-agenda","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6693467-04e3abac73f11ec9c19c76e5073dccea/orig.mp4?Expires=1775949444&Signature=L~51fg3EoiHg0YTJTm3CKrA4vxd1ADF2vpfCBOH0opTlmLccaw20lALZ6VPZrWcnNxvdjBjK332vddtVHtsSnYD2Fou49cVl5L~m~PeCoVMGOn~NNPam3WXK7Fuyk4WIU5q6oVbrwLr6QXnL5OgDc1-mnXXNEYDEBn8Mc9IKkRblaRgUK~SdJAwzEkzeLpp-kK31sH8SybZRoQqeaHD2PvmFjSNf~kVobJMfPYVH2TCuWLlq1gNTm9nIZds8PTd4tEyd~P4N-1nYc7~KQadY9liMM2AajWPi8MfH2UorzW5Fs0JMcA364xCojdBEk2ioB9sRBzlopqEvwMh8AfX~Vg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education on Jan. 13 voted to accept a slate of officers for 2025, adopted its regular board meeting schedule and approved a consent agenda covering routine district business.

The board voted to accept the slate of officers after a temporary chair convened the annual organization meeting. The slate named Kim Davis as board president, Ari Wade as vice president, Jose Rodriguez as secretary and Kimberly Williams as treasurer. The motion to accept the slate carried after individual roll-call votes were taken.

The board also voted to approve the board's regular meeting schedule as proposed and approved the consent agenda, which the board chair grouped and moved as a single package. All three motions were presented and carried during the meeting's organizational business.

Members present for the organizational meeting included Kim Davis, Trustee Kilpatrick, Trustee Moreno, Trustee Melton, Trustee Rodriguez, Trustee Wade, Trustee Williams and Trustee Williamson. The president-designate, Kim Davis, presided after the slate was approved.

The procedural votes clear the way for the board's committee appointments and committee work that the new leadership said it will pursue in the coming weeks.

Votes at a glance

- Acceptance of officer slate (Kim Davis, president; Ari Wade, vice president; Jose Rodriguez, secretary; Kimberly Williams, treasurer): motion passed. Recorded roll-call on the record included recorded \"nay\" votes from Trustee Kilpatrick and Trustee Moreno and recorded \"no\" votes from Trustee Jose Rodriguez; recorded \"yes\" votes from Trustee Melton, Trustee Wade, Trustee Williams, Trustee Williamson and Kim Davis. Outcome: approved.

- Regular board meeting schedule (as proposed): motion passed; outcome: approved.

- Consent agenda (group approval of routine items): motion passed; outcome: approved.

Meeting context and next steps

Board leadership said committee assignments (finance, ad hoc facilities, city-board liaison) and an email requesting members' committee preferences will go out in the next few days. The board president said the leadership plans to engage the public through periodic communications and community events.","At its Jan. 13 annual organization meeting the Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education voted to accept a slate of officers, approved a regular meeting schedule and adopted the consent agenda.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6693450,"Parents, teachers and students press GRPS board on attendance, safety, special education and staff support",211,6135000,6346000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2111021-7c8be3764368e6e35462f34a3058c20f&start=6135&end=6346","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2111021-7c8be3764368e6e35462f34a3058c20f/thumbnail_6135000.jpg","/articles/6693450/Michigan/Parents-teachers-and-students-press-GRPS-board-on-attendance-safety-special-education-and-staff-support","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6693450-509290c763bab486e13895e699abc46a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775949444&Signature=d4C1q~AOTtl9byjbAGQaU4nWqr5zUu-jpR7OAwWlfwLPwHuqCKMoCx3R3a9zvRkHPpuEem6juSr3BV3WInPUZkyUbKfursYAeW8pjBzTQowZhRPT2knDsXFbEWg9SrcDgbCETr6KK1ETXko7yIYumynXFoF4J80H09SISTLEcomcVELZiXne1MTZ8xjrJF0qMenGHbWUDk5ZfgVi4gqJIpU-VdQfC-5g-9DAULFNYjqEmS963b1mFTxYrmemo3tBxtRmbpGGhY6CtIVWQUJxV-An0rU6vXBsJ~JbbNA98Ijswd2QenGE86eGoW65~bvQ4XOuT15foDOTz7qDXJDdnQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Multiple parents, teachers and students used the board's public-comment periods on Jan. 13 to raise recurring operational concerns about Grand Rapids Public Schools, including chronic absenteeism, inconsistency in notifications about safety drills, delays in special-education plans and understaffing.

Parents and teachers described high chronic absenteeism in some schools and asked the district to enforce attendance policy consistently. A classroom teacher reported having one student absent 26 days and said district practice that distinguishes \"excused\" from \"unexcused\" absences weakens schools' ability to enforce attendance and pursue truancy remedies.

Several speakers asked for better two-way communication with families about emergency drills after a new naming and protocol change for lockdown drills. A first-year teacher reported feeling publicly reprimanded after a lockdown drill in a building where staff had not received the updated guidance documents. The vice president of the Grand Rapids Education Association (GREA) asked the district to distribute updated drill guidance to all staff and to discuss the changes at staff meetings.

Teachers described administrative delays on IEP/504 processes and inconsistent follow-up. One parent said it took more than a year to receive a 504 plan for two children and contrasted that with a neighboring district where the process moved promptly. Resource and special-education teachers reported high caseloads (one cited 20 students) and said additional work forms and pay approvals have been slow or rejected in some cases.

Speakers also raised concerns about transportation operations, calling for a district-controlled transportation system in the long term and a director of transportation on the district payroll. Other comments urged the board to consider staff compensation and retention as a route to stabilize classrooms.

Board members acknowledged the concerns and directed district leaders to follow up with specific staff and community contacts. The superintendent said district leaders are aware of many of these operational issues and invited commenters to connect with building leaders and central office staff for follow-up.","During the meeting's public-comment periods, speakers urged the board to address chronic absenteeism, improve communication about drills, streamline special-education processes, and increase staff compensation and retention.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6693454,"GRPS Foundation reports $400,000+ in school sports and grant support; plans expansion of teacher grants and community engagement",229,3409000,3638000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2111021-7c8be3764368e6e35462f34a3058c20f&start=3409&end=3638","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2111021-7c8be3764368e6e35462f34a3058c20f/thumbnail_3409000.jpg","/articles/6693454/Michigan/GRPS-Foundation-reports-400000-in-school-sports-and-grant-support-plans-expansion-of-teacher-grants-and-community-engagement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6693454-47c4b6fa7ed7913746a1fdcbeee6edbf/orig.mp4?Expires=1775949444&Signature=fgmmorcp2K1wSROpnB1anJID9RT3MYXV6oQT6gOzIqoDm-qZR6jzIOBi06yhGZryw2OFOIrl2xpdmi9PDBFMKVrAowmuVCWUpecU32JfuOGBs5ZGzaYtTFVWO0JJ7PJpW9hbeVEAG5oc-fIdmVGPpty7sgYTWE9K9P-4iGuOhNIDiAYVUM4JOFvbF7l7iH9Qri1MJCiAiFWtB2AxbSFWgEePpuX4ABlQ5OzkZDUMxC97mU~ikNyLlyJcnCVBgDInJ5lWmzFK93sb6QbE8iU-KjRmRel1RgpTvwgKEucp~RGL~6Rkeu1E63MGAJAYyWOlTRV1RPDUVizoJVvIF58blg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Grand Rapids Public Schools Foundation presented highlights from 2024 to the school board on Jan. 13, reporting more than $400,000 in grants for middle- and elementary-school sports and dozens of targeted grants for teachers and principals.

Stephanie Andrews, CEO and president of the GRPS Foundation, said the foundation launched a teacher innovation fund and awarded mini-grants to 35 teachers totaling more than $13,000 last year, and supported 22 principals with more than $36,000 through the Teresa Wether O'Neil Principal Fund. The foundation said it expects to increase teacher grants in 2025 and has awarded early-round grants for fall 2024.

The foundation reported a successful Turkey Trot sponsorship and registration drive that produced more than $200,000 combined, a record turnout of more than 6,000 participants, and partnerships that provided clothing, prom and homecoming support, and targeted donations to neighborhood schools. The board was also told of a Cook Foundation grant for $25,000 earmarked for Burton Heights and Cesar Chavez neighborhood schools.

During questions, trustees asked whether foundation funds can or do support mental-health and trauma-informed initiatives. Foundation leaders said the organization focuses on pillars such as sports, arts and experiential learning and tries to act as a connector to community partners; when other nonprofit partners fund mental-health supports the foundation will help connect resources rather than duplicate funding.

Trustees commended the foundation's work and asked for a public report; the foundation said it will present a wrap-up report to its board and include the results in a newsletter and other outreach.","The GRPS Foundation reported its 2024 activities to the board, including teacher innovation grants, principal support funds and more than $400,000 for sports; trustees asked about earmarks for mental-health supports.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Superintendent outlines school protocols for ICE visits as community urges Grand Rapids Public Schools to declare sanctuary status

Grand Rapids Public Schools highlights HBCU initiative; district reports multiple scholarship offers

Grand Rapids school board elects new officers, adopts meeting schedule and approves consent agenda

Parents, teachers and students press GRPS board on attendance, safety, special education and staff support

GRPS Foundation reports $400,000+ in school sports and grant support; plans expansion of teacher grants and community engagement