Superintendent


Message from the Superintendent

Please view my message  here if you need translation services.


November 4, 2026

GLPS Families,


This message will replace my regular Friday update this week; I am sending it today so it is timely as it relates to yesterday’s election. 


As I am sure you are aware by now, Comet Country voters approved our 2026 bond proposal, providing GLPS with the opportunity to ensure that we are keeping up with our facilities management plan and accounting for the growth across our district and community. Please note that the results are still unofficial because votes across Eaton, Clinton, and Ionia counties must be combined and officially certified, but they do indicate that the proposal has passed. We are truly appreciative and honored by the trust that our school community has placed in us, and we are excited to get to work on the projects that we outlined through the planning process. As a reminder, those projects, and other information about the bond, can be found on our webpage at GLcomets.net/Bond2026. This bond proposal will truly make a positive impact on teaching and learning across our district.


We now move from the planning phase to the implementation phase, as we will begin to map out project timelines with our partners, architects TMP and construction managers Clark Construction, and our staff. We will continue to communicate with you throughout the process; transparency is important to us, and we care deeply about ensuring that you know how and when your hard-earned dollars are being spent in our district.


In addition to the bond, our community also re-elected incumbent board members Dr. Toni Glascoe and Nicole Shannon yesterday. The continuity of leadership on our board helps to ensure accountability and support for district initiatives, and I look forward to continuing to work with both of them to move our district forward as they step into their new terms.


We are truly fortunate to have the opportunity to make our voices heard as citizens of this community, state, and country, and I appreciate the support that our community showed us with their voices yesterday. Thank you for allowing us to continue to earn your trust, and thank you for giving us the opportunity to work with you and your children every day. As always, I am #proudtobeacomet! 


Dr. Bill Barnes
Superintendent of Schools

IMPORTANT NOTE: Media inquiries and requests should be directed to John Ellsworth, GLPS Director of Communications: email him at Communications@GLcomets.net or call his office phone at 517-925-5414.

Share with Our Schools -- Superintendent

Help for Subject What do you want to share with our schools?
Help for Message Please share your message with us.
Add Attachments
Filename Size Status
How can we contact you?
.
.
Security Check - To verify you are not a robot, please answer this question:
 

Sup't Dr. Bill Barnes

Bill Barnes
Superintendent
Kim Manning
Executive Assistant

Dr. Steve Gabriel

Steven Gabriel
Deputy Superintendent
Karen Frisbie
Executive Assistant
Chris Chester
School Safety Supervisor
Juan Castillo
Student Inclusion, Mental Health & Wellness Supervisor

 

Share with Our Schools

Please share your thoughts with us. Please send us a message.

 

Messages from the Superintendent

November 2026 Election Update
One Community, One Heart, One Comet Family
How GLPS Thinks About Teaching and Learning
Data That Drives District Success
New Career-Focused Programs at GLPS
Why I'm Proud to be a Comet
Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our Present, Looking to Our Future
Preparing Comets for the Future