Grand Rapids board reviews draft 2025–26 goals, stresses student achievement and READ Act rollout

The Grand Rapids Public School District board met in workshop to review and refine draft board goals for 2025–26, with board members and staff focusing first on student achievement and continuing implementation of the READ Act literacy requirements.

Board members said the goals are intended to align with the districtoperational plan and the strategy teamwork, and to give the community a clear timeline for curriculum adoption and implementation. Matt, a staff member who led the presentation, said, "This is the time of the year where the board, has historically set goals or aims," and walked the group through last yearobjectives and proposed aims for 2025–26.

Board context and why it matters

The board discussed five draft aims that mirror the districtstrategic directions: 1) keep student achievement central, 2) continue implementation of the READ Act and associated curriculum and training, 3) sustain strategy-team partnerships and reporting, 4) plan and execute community engagement, and 5) develop and implement a plan to address OPEB (other post-employment benefits) liabilities. Board members said those aims are meant to support the districtoperational plan and provide measurable indicators the public and staff can track.

READ Act, literacy training and curriculum choices

District staff described the current status of READ Act implementation and teacher…