The Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) is currently updating its vision and master plan, as many of its schools were constructed decades ago in a completely different educational, political, and technological context. As a part of this process, GRPS is currently seeking public input on what Grand Rapids' high schools should look like in the future. Among the questions being asked are--does GRPS need four comprehensive high schools, should it switch to eight "small schools" themed on career paths, and should the buildings be either repaired or completely demolished.

Earlier this month, GRPS held public input sessions to gather opinions on plans for the city's secondary schools. There are currently four options being proposed--updating existing schools and maintaining a four high school system, developing an eight high school system partnered with organizations and focusing on careers, keeping three of the existing high schools and modernizing them while developing two additional thematic high schools, and maintaining two comprehensive high schools and having four thematic schools. With exception of the first option, which would cost an estimated $136.9 million, all of the plans would cost between $120 and $160 million.

In order to solicit further input, GRPS has an online survey that it is encouraging residents to fill out. The survey contains summaries of all the plans being considered, with a more detailed description of the options available online.

Aside from discussion about facilities options, the detailed description of the options reveal a number of interesting facts about GRPS's high schools. In a summary of response from the "Futures Conference" held back in October, there is information about the community's wishes regarding facilities and academics. According to the report, people wish to see a combination of traditional and departmental (thematic) high schools with programs focusing on health and science, math and science, business, performing and visual arts, engineering, international baccalaureate, and college preparation. Participants at the conference also expressed their desire to have high schools with a flexible schedule that are open from morning to evening, that are available for community use, have integrated special education programs, and have pre-K programs available to all students. The summary also reports that enrollment has dropped at the district's high schools by 12% (smaller than 14% and 21% drops in the district's elementary and high schools, respectively). It also says that for the last four years the high schools--with the exception of City High School--have failed to meet the "Average Yearly Progress" goals set under the No Child Left Behind Act.

After the December 18 deadline for survey responses, the community response will be tabulated and the team--headed by a company out of Ohio called DeJONG--will develop specific recommendations for renovations, additions, and new schools. Following those recommendations, the school board will hold a "work session" during which it will review the draft document and make changes where necessary. Finally, a final report will be compiled including a list of recommendations and an implementation schedule (including costs and timelines). The final report will be based on projected enrollment, the educational framework developed via community input, condition of facilities, community input, and costs. The final report will then be considered as a new master plan during a February 2008 school board meeting.

A similar process was undertaken for the district's elementary schools after voters approved a construction bond in 2004. The city renovated and replaced several schools, including new buildings at Alger Middle, Sibley Elementary, Martin Luther King (formerly Henry), Gerald R. Ford Middle (formerly Madison), and the currently under construction Dickenson Elementary. In addition, there were renovations at Harrison Elementary & Middle School, Burton Elementary & Middle School, Palmer Elementary, and Kent Hills Elementary.