Grand Rapids Public Schools and its teachers’ union continue negotiations over pay as community members push for more transparency in district operations.
CONTRACT DISPUTE: Grand Rapids teachers continue picketing as contract negotiations stall over salary disputes
During Monday night’s school board work session meeting, Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby shared her goals and her evaluation was discussed in closed session, prompting criticism from teachers and parents who say such private conversations undermine public trust.
“It doesn’t instill a lot of confidence, to be honest. And I also want to see what board members feedback is so I know how to vote next time we have a board election, because there were also some promises made with people who ran for our board,” said Kaitlyn Holmwood, a special educator who has worked in the district for eight years.
Holmwood said morale is already low as the teachers union pushes for higher pay. A bargaining negotiations update was provided during the closed session at Monday’s work meeting, but those details aren’t made public…