Superintendent Search

Grand Rapids Public Schools, the largest and most diverse school district in West Michigan, is searching for its next leader. Our new superintendent will guide the district through the next chapter of our journey, building on recent progress while continuing to strengthen academic outcomes and expand opportunities for every scholar.

Board of Education Selects Superintendent Semifinalists

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) – The Grand Rapids Board of Education has taken an important step in its search for the district’s next superintendent, selecting a group of semifinalists to advance in the process.

The board’s search firm, Ray & Associates, will conduct virtual screening interviews with semifinalists on Saturday, Oct. 24. Following those interviews, board members will determine which candidates will advance to the finalist stage.

Ray & Associates conducted a nationwide search, reaching 2,315 individuals across all 50 states. Thirty-five candidates completed the application process, and the board selected six candidates to advance as semifinalists. Applicant names are kept confidential until the finalists are selected on Oct. 26. 

“We are encouraged by the strong pool of candidates interested in leading Grand Rapids Public Schools,” said Board of Education President José Rodriguez. “Our community has made it clear what qualities matter most in our next superintendent, and we remain committed to selecting a visionary leader who will build on our momentum and help every scholar succeed.”

Finalists will be selected on Monday, Oct. 26. They will visit Grand Rapids on Wednesday, Oct. 28, for a full day of activities that includes touring district schools and programs, meeting with key stakeholders, and participating in interviews with the Board of Education. The interviews will be open to the public on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 5 p.m. at GRPS University, 1400 Fuller Ave. NE. You will also be able to watch the interviews streaming at live.grps.org. 

The superintendent search began in February when the Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby announced that her contract would be extended for one additional year through June 2027. Since then, the district has sought extensive community input to help guide the search. Throughout August and September, GRPS hosted 20 focus groups, four in-person town halls, one virtual town hall, and an online survey to gather feedback from scholars, staff, families, and community members about the qualities and leadership characteristics they want to see in the district’s next superintendent. You can read the full candidate profile here on our website.

Key Upcoming Dates

October 24, 2026
Virtual screening of candidates conducted by Ray & Associates

October 26, 2026                 
Board of Education selects finalists

October 28, 2026
Superintendent finalists tour the district and meet with stakeholders. The Board of Education conducts final interviews and selects the next superintendent