Superintendent


Message from the Superintendent

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September 25, 2026

GLPS Families,


As we head into the last weekend of September, I want to continue to lean into the thread of celebrating our history while planning for our future that have been present in my messages so far this year.


At tonight’s football game, we will be officially recognizing the Grand Ledge Public Schools Comet Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Each year, the Comet Athletic Hall of Fame committee reviews nominations, and announces the class in the winter for induction in the fall. I  appreciate the efforts of the committee, who all serve with a passion for GLPS athletics. This is a wonderful way of honoring our incredible student athletes who make an impact while they are here at GLHS, and in many cases, at the collegiate and professional level. I invite you to nominate deserving candidates for future classes, and learn about current inductees, through the Comet Athletic Hall of Fame website.  We hope to see you at tonight’s football game and ceremony.


While the Comet Hall of Fame celebrates our past, we had the opportunity for a wonderful real time celebration of our present this week. Because of our innovative partnership with the Wacousta Co-Op Preschool through our development of our Wacousta Commons building, GLPS and Wacousta Co-Op Preschool were named co-recipients of one of this year’s Michigan Child Care Champion Awards, granted through a partnership with Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC), Pulse at the W.E. Upjohn Institute, and MiLEAP. This award recognizes innovative community partnerships that create solutions to childcare challenges throughout Michigan. We are truly honored to be among this year’s incredible recipients, and grateful for our partnership with the Wacousta Co-Op Preschool and all of our partners at Wacousta Commons, including the Grand Ledge Area District Library and The Clinton County Sheriff's Department. Coupled with the LSJ's Community Choice for Child Care award for Best Childcare for our Little Comets Preschool Program, which we have now received three years in a row, this award shows our community’s commitment to serving our district’s littlest learners. We are very proud of the quality pre-K programming that is available to GLPS families in our region.


Finally, looking to the future, if you have not already, you will be receiving a flyer for the upcoming bond proposal in the mail. Please take a look at it and review the information it contains. If you have questions, please use our bond2026@glcomets.net email, or check out our website at glcomets.net/bond2026. Also please note that we will be holding an informational open house at our Sawdon Administration Building from 6-8 on Tuesday, September 29th and on Thursday, October 15th. Stop by to talk with me and others about the proposed projects. 


Thank you, as always, for your continued support for Grand Ledge Public Schools. We appreciate the opportunity to serve all of the students and families throughout Comet Country, and I am truly thankfulI to be able to learn and lead here in Comet Country. Have a wonderful weekend, and 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.

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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

 

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Messages from the Superintendent

Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our Present, Looking to Our Future
Preparing Comets for the Future
November 2026 Bond Proposal - Zero Increase to Current Millage Rate
Join the Conversation. Get Involved! – Sep. 3, 2026
Celebrating 175 Years of Growing Learners
Kicking Things Off - Updates
2026-2027 Welcome Back