Aarie Wade for GRPS

10/27/2026

The Grand Rapids Board of Education voted Monday to advance two finalists in its search for the next superintendent of Grand Rapids Public Schools.

The finalists are:
•Kelly Greene, Chief Area Instructional Leader, Grand Rapids Public Schools
•Allison Tingwall, Executive Director of Principal Quality, Chicago Public Schools

Both finalists will be in Grand Rapids on Wednesday, Oct. 28, to tour the district, meet with key stakeholders, and be interviewed by the Board of Education. The board interviews will begin at 5 p.m. at GRPS University (1400 Fuller Ave. NE). The interviews are open to the public and will also stream live at live.grps.org.

“Our board believes both finalists align closely with the qualities and leadership characteristics our community identified as priorities in the next superintendent,” said Board of Education President José Rodriguez. “We are confident that both candidates would be exceptional leaders for GRPS.”

You can learn more about both candidates here: https://grps.org/pub/stories/view/two-finalists-selected-in-nationwide-superintendent-search

10/26/2026

I am proud and honored to receive the endorsement of State Representative Kristian Grant!

Last night, I listened as Rep. Grant shared with a crowd that she doesn't just endorse people because she knows their name. She endorses people because she knows their work. She watches how they show up, how they lead, and what they do for their community.

And that is exactly why this endorsement means so much to me. It comes from someone who has watched me do the work, not just talk about it.

Thank you, Rep. Grant, for your confidence in my leadership and your support. I am truly grateful!

10/26/2026

15 candidates are vying for five seats in the 2026 election as GRPS faces challenges in retaining teachers and students.

10/26/2026

Last night I had a chance to personally thank Michigan's next US Senator for his endorsement and support. It was great taking my daughter to her first Abdul rally and hearing Bernie Sanders speak.

10/25/2026

I’m truly honored to have the endorsement of these leaders who continue to show up, lead, and make a difference in our community. 💚

Their support and confidence in my leadership mean so much, and I’m grateful to stand alongside them in our shared commitment to our children and families.

10/25/2026

My colleagues and I spent all day Saturday listening to interviews of highly qualified candidates who want to lead our district. After 8 hours of interviews, we gathered to narrow down to the top 3 that will be interviewed on October 28th.

On Monday we will announce the finalists and I can't be more excited about what's next for our district.

Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education met Saturday to discuss finalists in their search for a new superintendent: https://www.woodtv.com/news/grand-rapids/grand-rapids-public-schools-selects-final-superintendent-candidates/

10/25/2026

I’m incredibly honored to have the support and endorsement of Dr. Abdul El-Sayed!

When it comes to the children in our community, this work is bigger than politics. It’s about showing up, standing firm, and making sure every child has access to the opportunities they deserve.

I’m grateful for his confidence in my leadership and the work I’ve been doing on behalf of our community. Even more, I’m excited to continue moving this work forward alongside a leader who shares that same commitment to our children and families.

For EVERY child, I lead. 💚💙

10/18/2026

This endorsement looks a little different from the others, and that's because it came from a student who designed it himself! 💚💙

Student voice matters, and obviously, their designs do too!

That makes it even more special to me. When I say “For EVERY Child, I Lead,” I mean it! Having the support of one of the very people I serve means so much! 💚💙 Thank you RJ! I am so proud of you and proud to be endorsed by you!