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February 21, 2025

GLPS Families,

A couple of weeks ago, I shared in my family update that this is the time of year when we start planning for next year, looking at enrollment projections, and thinking about future programming. I also mentioned in that communication that I would provide some additional information in the coming weeks about enrollment timelines and schools of choice for next year. Since last Wednesday was count day, and 42% of you said you were interested in learning more about budget updates and enrollment on my fall survey, I figured that a good topic for today would be to share some enrollment and budget information with you.

To begin, GLPS has around 5,400 students enrolled in the district (exact numbers will be available once the count is finalized). This does not include children in our preschool programs. For context, that makes us the second largest district in the Lansing area by enrollment, behind only Lansing Public Schools. Over the last three years, our enrollment has steadily increased, which runs counter to the statewide and regional trends of declining enrollment in public schools. Our growth has also outpaced even our own projections; for context, on our 2018 bond application, we reported a projected enrollment at the completion of the bond of 5,374 students, which we officially surpassed this year with more than a year left on the bond work. 

In the past, the GLPS Board of Education has approved schools of choice in most grade levels. However, over the past two years, we have used historic enrollment trends and space in grade levels to take a more targeted approach. For example, based on our space and capacity, as well as past school of choice trends, the GLPS board approved new school of choice enrollments only for kindergarten, 4th grade, 5th grade, and 8th grade for the 2025-2026 school year. Enrollment for resident students will begin in early March, with schools of choice enrollment coming later this spring.

As you may or may not know, school budgets are based on enrollment. We receive a per pupil allocation from the state (this year’s is $9,608 per student), which allows us to run our district. We receive additional state and federal grant funds for specialized programs and purposes, but our primary funding source is the per pupil dollars. Since our numbers continue to grow, we are fortunate that we can provide outstanding educational programs for our students and families, which then means that more families want to be a part of our district. I have always said that as a community goes, so goes its school district, and as a school district goes, so goes its community. It is clear that folks want to be a part of Grand Ledge Public Schools and the communities we serve, as new housing developments continue to come into the district, and we are seeing multiple new investments within our district boundaries, including two new healthcare centers on Saginaw Hwy and the new battery plant in Delta Township. 

Despite the fact that we have more students enrolled than expected, our bond projects have expanded our district’s capacity, both from a classroom space perspective (ie. classrooms at Willow Ridge and Hayes) and a programming perspective (arts and athletics additions). We have had to get creative in some spaces to accommodate our growth, but our focus is always on our students and their learning environment. This approach allows us to continue to improve our offerings, and build opportunities for students to learn, grow, and succeed in the 21st century. This makes GLPS a place where families want to send their kids, and we are proud of that fact. Our achievement is showing growth, our athletics, arts, and extracurricular programs are known across the state for their excellence, and while we are not perfect and still have areas to address, our students, families, staff, and programs make GLPS a district reaching new heights. 

I firmly believe what I said about the relationship between schools and their communities, and I credit our strong relationship with our continued growth as a district. I am very proud to be a part of GLPS and the greater Grand Ledge community, and I am very proud that all of you have made the decision to be a part of our schools and communities as well. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to work with you and your students every day, and thank you for all you do to make this such a wonderful district. Have a great weekend; as always, I am #proudtobeacomet!

Dr. Bill Barnes
Superintendent of Schools