Superintendent of Schools

District or Organization:
Grand Rapids Public Schools

Due Date:
October 5, 2026

Superintendent of Schools

Position Announcement GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOLS Superintendent of Schools

Title: Superintendent of Schools

Job Goal: Guide the development and implementation of the district's strategic vision and direction in
alignment with district policies.

Reports to: Board of Education

Supervises: Directly or indirectly, every district employee

About Grand Rapids Public Schools:
Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) is a vibrant and growing urban school district committed to ensuring every scholar has access to an exceptional education. Rooted in strong neighborhoods, engaged families, and a deep commitment to equity, access, and academic excellence, GRPS provides
innovative learning opportunities that prepare scholars for success in college, career, and life.

Grand Rapids Public Schools is supported by a dedicated team of educators and professionals who are passionate about serving scholars and continuously improving outcomes. Through sound fiscal stewardship, strategic investments, and strong partnerships with local governments, businesses, higher education institutions, and community organizations, GRPS is building a brighter future for every scholar.

By the Numbers:

• Michigan’s 8th largest school district
• 13,000+ scholars served
• 70+ languages spoken by GRPS families
• 80+ countries represented within our scholar population
• Graduation rates increasing each year

At GRPS, diversity is our strength, innovation is our mindset, and student success is our mission. We invite passionate educators and leaders to join a district where they can make a meaningful impact while helping shape the future of one of Michigan’s most dynamic and diverse communities.

Qualifications:

• 1. Proven experience in transformational leadership within large, complex systems
• 2. A documented record of raising proficiency and improving outcomes.
• 3. Broad and diversified experience in education, with instructional experience preferred.
• 4. Master’s degree in a related field; advanced degree (e.g., Ed.S., Ed.D., Ph.D.) preferred.
• 5. Michigan Administrative Certificate or willingness to obtain.

Professional Responsibilities and Duties:

• Fiscal Management
• Implementing Policies and Procedures
• Overseeing Personnel
• Community Relations
• Academic Performance
• Managing Operations

Essential Duties:
The essential duties and responsibilities of the Superintendent are to:

• Serve as administrative head of the entire District and chief executive officer of the Board, in
  charge of both educational and business functions;
• Attend all regular meetings of the Board, unless excused by the President of the Board, and keep
  the Board continually informed on the progress and condition of the schools;
• Carry out policies and rules of the Board;
• Initiate matters of educational policy and to make definite recommendations thereon;
• Recommend the number and types of positions required to provide proper personnel for the
  operation of education programs;
• Nominate for appointment, assignment, transfer, or termination and to define the duties of all
  personnel, subject to approval of the Board;
• Recommend, in writing, the teachers necessary for the schools; and
• Suspend a teacher or administrator for cause until the Board may consider the suspension.

General Duties:
The general duties of the Superintendent are to:

• Administer the development and maintenance of a positive educational program designed to meet the needs of the community, to keep abreast of the best educational developments and to advise regarding changes in programs;
• Supervise the preparation of the annual budget and to recommend it to the Board for consideration;
• Advise and recommend in matters of business administration; to pass upon all proper requests for equipment and supplies, to point out possible economies and to supervise activities of the District;
• Conduct a continuous study of the development and needs of the schools and to keep the public adequately informed concerning his/her findings;
• Put into practice the educational policies of the Board;
• Supervise and direct the work of the teachers and other employees of the Board;
• Classify and control the promotion of students;
• Recommend to the Board the best methods of arranging the courses of study;
• Recommend to the Board the proper curriculum to be used;
• Make written reports to the Board;
• Make written reports to the state;
• Assist the Board in matters pertaining to the general welfare of the District;
• By agreement with the Board, undertake, for remuneration, consultative work, speaking engagements, writing, lecturing, membership, and office in educational organizations;
• Accept all employee resignations on behalf of the District. Upon acceptance, resignations will be irrevocable. The Superintendent will inform the Board of any resignations on a monthly basis;
• Evaluate all administrative personnel in writing annually;
• Review all handbooks prior to publication to ensure that the contents conform completely to Board policy and current law; and
• Perform other duties and discharge other responsibilities as the Board might direct that are pertinent and appropriate to the operation of the District.

Salary and Contract Information: The Board of Education will offer a comprehensive multi-year contract. Compensation will be commensurate with the skills and experience of the successful candidate, with a preliminary salary range of $250,000 to $300,000.

(This superintendent search will be conducted with due regard to the Michigan Open Meetings Act requirement of open meetings for all public body deliberations, decisions, and interviews.)