Please view my message here if you need translation services.
January 16, 2026
GLPS Families:
As we wrap up a wintery week here at Grand Ledge Public Schools and look ahead to a three day weekend, I want to highlight a couple of things that came out of Monday’s board meeting that are impactful for the district. First, at the annual organizational meeting, officers were elected: Ashley Kuykendoll is now our board president, with Dr. Toni Glasscoe serving as our vice president and Coban Holmes serving as our secretary. As I mentioned in my message last week, we appreciate the service of all seven of our board members, and I am sure our new officers will do well in their roles.
Second, the board approved TMP as an architecture firm and Clark Construction Company as a construction manager to help with the next phase of our facilities management planning and considerations of future bonds. Both organizations went through a rigorous proposal review and interview process, and we are excited to work with them as we plan for the future. We are in the final stages of our current bond project with architects GMB and Clark as our construction manager. We have broken ground on Wacousta classrooms, we are slated to begin construction on the Morris property soon, and we are nearing completion of the planning for our new gym at Delta Center.
Finally, the board approved a budget amendment, based on the state budget that was approved in October. At the end of the 2024-2025 school year, we set aside money in our fund balance to help with expected costs for this year, and we have been able to carry out that plan. In fact, because of our enrollment and careful planning, this budget amendment is approximately $600,000 better than we expected back in June. We have been very purposeful in how we are using our dollars, which has allowed us to keep up to date on technology purchases, capital projects, salaries and benefits, supplies, buses, and safety and mental health spending, even as shifting state and federal funds have been inconsistent in terms of total allocations and stipulations for receiving the funds in certain cases.
As I close out today, it is important to reflect on why we have Monday off. We close the district on Martin Luther King, Jr. day to allow our students, staff, and families to celebrate the day with service and reflection. Dr. King’s leadership, speeches, and advocacy for racial equality and justice through nonviolent resistance inspired millions and led to significant legislative changes, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and his dedicated work to achieve these ideals impacts our continued efforts today to ensure an equitable society and opportunities for all. I encourage you to keep the goals he worked to achieve in mind over this weekend, and find ways to honor his message. Here at GLPS, through our strategic plan and work within our classrooms, buildings, and programs, we continue to strive to live up Dr. King’s legacy and create an environment in which all students can learn and grow.
Thank you, as always, for your support and for giving us the opportunity to work with you and your children every day. I am truly grateful to be the superintendent here at GLPS, and I look forward to continuing our growth and success as we move through 2026. Have a wonderful weekend; as always, I am #proudtobeacomet!
Dr. Bill Barnes
Superintendent of Schools
