I laugh every time I hear someone say, "but don't Charter Schools just pick the kids they want?" (See letter below) These are either people who have no charter school experience on which to base their opinions, or perhaps they may know someone or be someone who just didn't get "picked" in the random lottery. I watched the lottery drawing last Spring, as an administrator at our school waited with the rest of the public to see if her child would get into Kindergarten, and the child's name didn't get drawn.
As we near the next school year, consider that pulling your child and then trying to come back in middle school, to secure a place for the charter high school, may become more difficult as spaces fill and your opportunity narrows. I'm still hearing many concerns about the level of homework expectations by the new high school. This concern appears to be effecting students in a profound way. The only way change is going to happen, is if enrollment suffers, or,(a better idea) when parents of students at the 9th grade level, continue to report & petition back to David Angerer and the staff at the high school. I believe there is a way to have a superior high school experience, without losing your childhood & your mind in the process! Stay strong! We are blessed to have this golden opportunity in our midst, let's not let it founder. Thanks!



Letter: Unfair criticism of charter schools
by Beth Burns | Grand Rapids
Sunday January 18, 2009, 9:00 AM

I would like to respond to Jo Bird's letter ("Cherry-picking students," Pulse Dec. 28) accusing charter schools of cherry-picking students. The charter school my children attend does not discriminate among applicants. My son went through a lottery drawing to be accepted, which is open to all applicants.

Charter schools most definitely do not send special education students away. They have special needs children and excellent resources for teaching them. As for allowing certain middle schools to feed into the charter high school, that's exactly how the traditional public school districts are set up.

In regards to the new charter high school focusing on preparing for college, I believe that is also the case with the Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy in the traditional public school system.

Charter schools have been criticized in the past for not operating high schools, which are more expensive to run than elementary and middle schools. Now that they are finally beginning to open high schools, they are once again under attack.

Charter schools do not discriminate against students. In fact, they give parents a much needed choice.

Newspaper Letter to the Editor

Happy New Year. Hope you are finding the info on schools that you need for 2009-2010. Here's a recent Letter to the Editor. The newspaper article referenced is available on m-live. Thanks for reading!

Letter: Hypocritical on Grand Rapids schools
by William P. Knoester | Grand Rapids
Friday January 09, 2009, 9:00 AM

I found GR Board member Lisa Hinkel's recent comments in the Public Pulse to be rather hypocritical ("Level playing field," Dec. 29) She criticized a Press editorial for supporting Sen. Wayne Kuipers' legislation that would allow K-8 charter schools to extend their charters for high school grades, saying: "I question the legality and intent of allowing only students from certain schools the ability to attend a high school funded with public dollars." We should look, she said, "... to create a more level playing field in the area of school competition."

Interestingly, the following day we read about the GRPS's decision to link the 6th grade programs at Blandford, Zoo, and Southeast Academic Center to City High School in order to "attract students."

As a former principal at City, I can verify that applicants must meet admissions criteria based on grade-point averages and test scores. Thus, a select pool of applicants is created from which enrollees are drawn. Special education students need not apply. Does that sound like the "level playing field" that Ms. Hinkel is advocating?

She is right about one thing, however. The "playing field" should be more level. Perhaps the GRPS would be willing to share some of the "extra" dollars that traditional public schools get, for example, funds from school bond issues. She could also advocate that charter schools shouldn't have to pay local property taxes, which traditional schools don't. That might level the field a bit.

Charter High School meeting: 2009-2010 !!!

Please pass along! There is a Parent Information Night for the 2009-2010 school year this Thursday from 7-8PM. Click on the link to Grand River Preparatory High School to the left of this section under "links". Given the reports in the news, we will want to be sure to get going with applications for next year, as soon as possible. There is sure to be a long waiting list for the Fall! Thanks!

Intriguing turn of events...

Just saw this article on M-live and found it completely interesting given the struggle we had last year trying to get our message of CHANGE through to Grand Rapids School Board and its Superintendent. It's amazing what can happen when ideas are given time to metabolize...

National Heritage Academies interested in GRPS building
by Dave Murray | The Grand Rapids Press
Thursday September 18, 2008, 6:51 PM

GRAND RAPIDS -- The head of for-profit National Heritage Academies says he would rent one of the Grand Rapids Public Schools' buildings for a new charter high school -- if the city schools would let him.

And the district's spokesman says not only are they open to a deal with their top competitors, they would welcome it.

Speaking at the West Michigan Regional Policy Conference on Thursday, National Heritage founder J.C. Huizenga told a room of movers-and-shakers that he doesn't understand how public schools spend the roughly $200,000 in state aid generated by a typical 25-student classroom.


Former Lt. Gov. Dick Posthumus pointed out that the vast majority of Huizenga's schools are for students in grades kindergarten through eighth, and asked if high schools are too expensive to run.

"If Superintendent Bernard Taylor will lease me one of his schools, I'll put a high school there," Huizenga responded, drawing an audible reaction from the crowd of about 70 people that included educators, business leaders and state Attorney General Mike Cox.

Huizenga said after the session he didn't want to comment further until after the conference wraps up.

District spokesman John Helmholdt was in the audience and told Huizenga after the session that he would meet with him anytime he wants.

Helmholdt said educators have given serious thought to approaching Huizenga about opening a school through the district's "centers of innovation" plan.

The first school under the plan, the Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy, was opened this fall by a group of business leaders. The program operates like a hybrid charter school using district employees but with more freedom than traditional schools.

"If National Heritage has a model that they think can work, we absolutely want to talk to them," Helmholdt said. "If they have an idea that is sustainable and backed by research, bring it on. Because there are many ways that we can both benefit by working together."

The for-profit management company this fall opened its first area high school, the Grand River Preparatory High, in the former Kelloggsville Christian School. Grand River Prep's enrollment is expected to grow to 400 by 2011.

E-mail Dave Murray: dmurray@grpress.com

Day One Complete!

I stopped by Grand River Prep today! Fresh and welcoming, the facility has been transformed into a modern high school design. The rooms are "room-y". Students were already participating in after-school sports programming & the atmosphere felt like school had been in session for a while already. There were 100 students enrolled as of today and there are a few seats still available. Tell your friends and stop in for a tour yourself.

Grand River Prep opens today!!!

So grateful and pleased that Grand River Prep is open, as of today! Watch this school closely, breaking barriers and opening a whole new avenue of education to our area!
I found this article on m-live.com:

Grand River Preparatory School welcoming inaugural class
by Herb Woerpel Tuesday September 02, 2008, 9:59 AM
Grand River Preparatory High School, 264 52nd St., welcomes its inaugural freshman class as instruction begins this week. Grand River Preparatory High School, Kentwood's first charter high school, is preparing to welcome its inaugural class of 100 freshmen when the bell rings to start the school year today.
The 45,000-square-foot school, located in the former Kelloggsville Christian School, 264 52nd St. SE, has been vacant since 2006, when Cutlerville Christian School and Kelloggsville Christian School merged to become Legacy Christian Schools.

Students will follow a curriculum focused on preparing them for college. They will be expected to successfully complete a minimum of two advance placement courses, make a successful application to college, and participate in community service. Throughout their four years at Grand River Prep, students will be required to complete two years of a foreign language, four years of English and math, three years of science and history, and two years of fine arts elective courses.

"We'll provide a rigorous academic program. Our students are expected to enroll in a four-year college," said Principal David Angerer. "Our curriculum requires students to not only take the five core courses, but pass two advanced placement courses, an elective choice, and a foreign language."

The building has been completely renovated and school officials plan to add one grade each year until the school becomes a 400-student, four-year high school in 2011.

Only one-third of the school will be open this school year and officials hope to renovate little by little to allow the school expansion to follow in time with the scheduled enrollment additions.

"We have only renovated about one-third of the building thus far," Angerer said. "We will have to eventually open the entire building up, reconfigure for student parking, add athletic fields, possibly add some science labs and more."

As the school grows, school officials believe the proposed athletic programs will follow suit.

"We're still working on our sports programs," Angerer said. "In our first year, students have expressed an interest in volleyball, soccer, and cross-country, and we obviously will only play junior varsity games, but as our students progress we may be looking for an athletic conference to join somewhere down the road."

English teacher Annalise Venhuizen was setting up her classroom last week and said she was looking forward to helping the school gain an identity.

"I'm absolutely thrilled," she said. "Everything is new, the staff, the teachers, students; we are sort of starting with a blank slate and will have the opportunity to define what this school is all about."

The school received charter status through Grand Valley State University in July. Charter schools are similar to public schools with the difference being they are independently operated rather than publicly operated. There is no tuition and operation funding comes from state tax dollars, just like traditional public schools.

Charter schools must adhere to the same state and local rules and regulations, and must meet the same academic requirements as traditional public schools, but are overseen by their charter authorizer or sponsor, as well as their school board.

Though rare in the area, there are four high school charter schools spread throughout West Michigan.

Creative Technologies Academy in Cedar Springs enrolls approximately 75 students and graduated its first class in 1999. Black River Public School in Holland enlists nearly 250 pupils and awarded its first set of diplomas in 2000.

Byron Center Charter School enrolls approximately 65 students and graduated its first class in 2002, and the West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science in Walker features about 125 students with its first graduation in 2004.

At Grand River Preparatory, students from National Heritage Academy's Excel, Vista, and Vanguard academies receive enrollment preference, but officials said a few spaces are still available. More information can be obtained by calling (616) 261-1800 or by visiting www.grandriverprep.com.

Prep High School Carpool Takes Shape

I am so pleased to pass on this link for the newly-formed carpool site for Grand River Prep High School!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GRPrepCarPool

Here you can network with others who are enrolled and make ride arrangements, too!

Good luck and God Bless all the parents, staff and students starting this awesome journey called "High School"!

A sneak-peek inside the high school

So exciting for the new parents and students enrolled at the high school!
Grand River Preparatory charter high school spruces up for fall opening
Posted by Beth Loechler | The Grand Rapids Press August 11, 2008 07:13AM
Categories: Breaking News, Education

Principal Dave Angerer shows off what will be the gymnasium for the Grand River Preparatory High School during a tour for students and parents.
KENTWOOD -- Come Sept. 2, Marina Carabellese and twin sisters Heather and Briana Vidal will be sporting uniforms of khaki and blue as they head to charter school guru J.C. Huizenga's new high school.

As part of the inaugural class of 100 freshmen, the girls and their families got a sneak peek at Grand River Preparatory High School, which last week was receiving freshly painted walls, new doors, windows, carpet and other improvements.

"Does it feel like home yet?" Principal Dave Angerer asked the trio. "It would help if we had a little furniture and a couple of teachers in here."

Huizenga, founder of for-profit charter school management company National Heritage Academies, has spent about $1.5 million to fix up and equip the building at 624 52nd St. SE, formerly home to Kelloggsville Christian School.


Grand River Preparatory High School Principal Dave Angerer, right, gives a tour of the remodeled school Thursday to students and parents.Only a third of the building is being renovated, Angerer said, but additional work will take place as grades are added to the school in subsequent years.

Huizenga's plan didn't completely come together until a few weeks ago. Still, the school is nearly full, Angerer said. Only a handful of spots for ninth-graders remain.

Marina Carabellese has spent the past nine years at NHA's Excel Academy "so we have confidence based on the players and their past record," said her dad, Tom. About 80 of the students enrolled at Grand River Prep come from NHA elementary schools, Angerer said.

He was recruited from Black River Public School in Holland, a successful K-12 charter school.

The new school will stress advanced placement classes and, like Black River, will require students to gain acceptance to college as a condition of graduation.

And while the parents were enthused about the standards and a moral focus, the students seemed most excited when Angerer told them they would each get their own locker.

"At least this year," he said.

Grand River Prep's enrollment is expected to grow to 400 by 2011

Charter High School info.

I received this and I'm passing it on, so you can tell 2 friends(or a bunch)-have a great day!

Greetings Students and Families!

We would like to cordially invite you to attend Grand River Preparatory High School's upcoming Information Night this Thursday August 7 at 6:30 pm. Because our school continues to undergo it's renovations we will be convening at the Kelloggsville Church adjacent to our 52nd street location. This will be a wonderful opportunity for you to learn more about our program, meet the principal and faculty, while having your questions addressed. This event will be much the same as our first two Information Nights, in which case you needn't feel obliged to attend if you've already have; however, we encourage you to share this invitation with a friend and/or potential interested family as there are still a few seats available. Please RSVP back to grcharterhigh@gmail.com if you plan to attend.
By now you should have received your acceptance packet, if you haven't please let us know. Please be sure to have those completed and returned ASAP.
We look forward to working with you all!

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Miller-Wallau
Visual Art Instructor/Administrative Support



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG.
Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 270.5.10 - Release Date: 7/31/2008 12:00 AM

Grand River Preparatory High School Gears Up -Press article

This is so exciting-Excel just had an offspring...high school! We can be so proud and pleased to be associated with this new development! Tomorrow July 23rd at 6:30 pm, is the 2nd parent/student information night, an opportunity to meet the principal and find out about the nuts and bolts of the school. It will be held at the Kellogsville CRC church building, across the parking lot from the high school, at 610 52nd St.

Here is the press article from today:
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
By Beth Loechler The Grand Rapids Press

KENTWOOD -- Building renovations are under way, teachers are preparing, students are enrolling and charter school guru J.C. Huizenga's first high school -- Grand River Preparatory High School -- will open for business Sept. 2.

"It's real. It's really happening," said Ed Richardson, director of charter schools for Grand Valley State University.

Open enrollment for ninth-graders is this week, Principal David Angerer said.

GVSU's board of trustees voted Friday to add a second location for Excel Charter Academy, a K-8 school, and expand the grades offered. That second location, on 52nd Street between Division and Eastern avenues, will be Grand River Prep.

That means Excel students automatically can advance into the charter high school, which will open with only a ninth grade but is expected to grow one grade a year until it's a four-year high school in 2011.

Students from Vanguard, Vista and Cross Creek charter academies also will be "feeder schools" for the new high school, meaning their students will receive preference in enrollment. If classrooms aren't filled by students from the four schools, others entering ninth grade will be accepted.

All four of the K-8 schools are managed by National Heritage Academies, a for-profit company founded by Huizenga. The high school will be managed by American Dream Network, also created by Huizenga, to focus on the upper grades.

Judging by the number of interested families, Angerer estimated more than 80 students from the NHA schools will enroll this week. He plans to cap enrollment at 100 freshmen.

Angerer has hired all but one of the six full-time and two part-time teachers that will instruct the freshman class, he said. He's still interviewing for a full-time Spanish language teacher.

The college preparatory curriculum will include five core subjects -- math, science, English, history and Spanish -- and options for art, band and chorus. Students will wear uniforms and will be expected to gain admission to college as a condition of graduation.

Renovations of the building, formerly home to Kelloggsville Christian School, should be substantially complete in early August, Angerer said.

Send e-mail to the author: bloechler@grpress.com

Charter High School meeting success

So many years have passed where we waited and nothing materialized. It was sheer giddy-excitement I sensed, when the information night held Thursday for the new Grand River Preparatory High School filled the room to capacity. People just kept coming and more chairs were set out. Do you know how great that is??? My guess is that enrollment numbers are close to full if not exceeding capacity, after this night.
David Angerer, the principal, demonstrated a willingness to answer any question and an openminded approach to curriculum and after school options, which will of course, depend on the student body represented in this first class of 9th graders. Meeting some of the teachers that will greet the incoming Freshman class, made this whole concept seem more of a reality. The enthusiasm they shared for this venture, was easy to feel.
The next thing we'd all like to see is the physical building, when it's ready for a walk through. Many changes and improvements are taking place, such as new windows, interior upgrades and reconfigurations of the spaces.
Stay tuned for more coming soon!

Grand River Prep High School Information Night

I just received a note about an Information Night for our new High School. The meeting will be Thursday July 10th at 6:30pm at
Kelloggsville Church, located at 610 52nd Street, adjacent to Grand
River Prep.
This will be a great opportunity to learn more about the program, meet
the principal and staff, and have your questions addressed. Remember, this is for those parents & students from Vista, Cross Creek, Excel and VanGuard who want more info. about the 9th grade program, or to apply to the school.
Please RSVP to (616)776-7792 or e-mail grcharterhigh@gmail.com if you're planning on attending, or would like an application.

Thanks!

New high school reservations NOW!

If you are the parent of a newly graduated 8th grader from Excel, now is the time to reserve your child's spot at Grand River Prepartory Academy! If you have not already seen the form, it should be in your mailbox this week. If you still don't have one, you must go to Excel and fill out a re-enrollment form, so your child will be transferred into the 9th grade. All incoming 9th graders will be funneled through Excel Academy. This will soon apply to Cross Creek, Vanguard and Vista students, also. See the article from the GR Press below. If you have questions, please contact Jason Pater at Grand River Prep, or call Excel Charter Academy. Thanks and good luck. Please pass this on to those who you believe need to read it!

Grand River Prep Ready to Accept Ninth-Grade Students

Posted by Beth Loechler | The Grand Rapids Press June 04, 2008 18:30PM

KENTWOOD -- Grand River Preparatory High School is ready to accept about 100 ninth graders for the coming school year now that Grand Valley State University's Charter School Office has signed off on a plan to open the school.

The high school, located on 52nd Street between Division and Eastern avenues, will open this fall as an offshoot of Excel Charter Academy, the National Heritage Academies' K-8 charter school where parents began clamoring for a high school in recent years.

But eighth-graders from three other proposed feeder schools -- Vanguard, Vista and Cross Creek academies -- won't be excluded. The boards and authorizers for the three charter schools are expected to vote soon to transfer their graduates to Excel, meaning they will be eligible to attend the high school, too. Excel's board has agreed to accept transfers from the three schools.

"This is the fastest path to get the school open this fall," said Ed Richardson, GVSU's director of charter schools.

Richardson has signed off on the plan, and the GVSU board of trustees is expected to approve it at a July 18 meeting, he said. GVSU's approval is necessary because it holds the charter for Excel Academy.

"There seems to be a need for high school (charter) options. We are pleased that we have a board interested in creating one in the area and hope that other K-8 schools are able to offer high school options in the near future," Richardson said.


David AngererThe school, which will focus on preparing students for college, plans to begin solely as a ninth grade and add one grade a year until it's a four-year high school in 2011. Principal David Angerer has said he hopes to enroll about 100 freshmen, but the size of the school could vary based on the level of interest from NHA families.

So far, about 150 families have expressed an interest in the school, said Ginny Seyferth, spokeswoman for J.C. Huizenga, who created the for-profit NHA and Grand River Prep.

In the unlikely event that fewer than 100 students from the four charter schools enroll at Grand River Prep, the school may accept incoming freshmen from other schools.

Angerer has begun hiring teachers and sent a letter to Excel parents asking them to "secure a seat for your child in Grand River Prep" by the end of this week.

Excel is managed by NHA, but Grand River Prep will not be. Huizenga said he wanted to open a high school separate from NHA, which specializes in elementary education, so he created a new company, American Dream Network, to manage it.

The state law that allows one school to transfer its students to another school is Michigan Public Act 1 of 2008. It was created as a way for small school districts to merge but also works for individual charter schools.

New High School Info. Published Soon!

Those of you anxiously waiting for info on the new school will not have to wait much longer. Later this month there should be enrollment & curriculum details rolled out, according to Jason Pater, and David Angerer, the new Principal of Grand River Prep.

There is a website that will soon have more info, www.grandriverprep.com -there is not much on there right now, but watch there or call/e-mail them with more questions: 616.776.2792 or email grcharterhigh@gmail.com

I, along with several other parents at Excel, had the opportunity to sit down with Jason & David in a "focus" group setting, and ask questions and get a preliminary look at what Grand River will look like inside. Some of the things discussed that will be part of the school, included school uniform, AP classes, sports, arts, community service, extra curriculars, graduation requirements & student guidance/mentor in place all 4 years for each individual child. This school is going to be a high academic standard school, but not exclusive to just the high achiever-type kid. There will also be programs in place for special ed., and tutoring & help for those regular ed. kids who need it to be successful. David and Jason believe most students that have gone through charter school in the elementary/middle school setting, will be equipped to handle Grand River Prep. They are striving to create a system that continues what National Heritage began, featuring curriculum & culture that compliments and continues the students' educational experience.
So many good things coming, you can be confident that Grand River will be the best high school in the Grand Rapids area. I will post more as it becomes available later this month (May)! Thanks!

Houston, We Have a...Principal!

Just thought you'd like to see this right away! More to come, I'm certain!

Former Black River Leader David Angerer named Principal of Grand River Preparatory High School
Posted by Kym Reinstadler | The Grand Rapids Press April 17, 2008 10:30AM
Categories: Breaking NewsDavid Angerer
KENTWOOD -- David Angerer, whose leadership made Black River Public School in Holland one of the nation's top charter schools, will be principal of the new Grand River Preparatory High School in Kentwood.

Grand River Prep's financial backer is West Michigan entrepreneur J.C. Huizenga, the force behind National Heritage Academies, 55 publicly funded K-8 charter schools in six states.

Grand River, to open to freshmen this fall in the former Kelloggsville Christian School building at 264 52nd St. SE, is Huizenga's first high school.

Boards of three southeastern Grand Rapids NHA feeder schools -- Excel, Vista and Vanguard -- chose Angerer to lead the high school.

"The opportunity to create a college-prep high school from the ground up, and the hope of replicating that program if it's successful, is very appealing professionally," said Angerer, 45.

Despite the reputation of Black River's program, that board never has planned to expand beyond its one K-12 campus.

Black River grew from about 300 students to almost 800 since Angerer became head of school in 2000.

In 2004, Angerer was named Administrator of the Year by the Michigan Association of Public School Academies.

Newsweek selected Black River among the top 100 high schools in the nation in 2006.

"We're creating a school whose focus is academic excellence, and Dave has those credentials and that reputation," Huizenga said.

Huizenga is the sole financial backer of Grand River Prep, which will be managed independent of Grand Rapids-based NHA.

Several organizational questions remain about the new school -- including whether it will require its own charter or could operate as an extension of Excel, Vista and Vanguard's charters.

Structural questions also prevail, including what renovations will be necessary to bring the building up to code.

No open enrollment period has been announced, but Huizenga said the 225 eighth-graders at Excel, Vista and Vanguard will get priority.

About a dozen inquiries a day from Grand Rapids-area families have come in since word of the new school broke March 19, said Ginny Seyferth, Huizenga's publicist.

High school teachers from eight states have inquired about positions at the new school, Huizenga said.

Angerer said there are discussions, but no firm plans, about school programming.

Angerer is eager to begin hiring teachers, but for selfish reasons he hopes no Black River teachers wish to follow him to Grand River.

"My own three boys will continue to attend Black River, so I hope Black River teachers stay put," said Angerer, who will start July 1.

E-mail Kym Reinstadler: kreinstadler@grpress.com

Editorial from GR Press Friday March 28, 2008

Filling the Charter High School Gap
Friday, March 28, 2008
Charter schools can be valuable alternatives to traditional public schools. That's why local families choosing to educate their children in charter elementary and middle schools are excited about a planned charter high school. This is an option they've wanted -- and deserved -- for a long time. The idea is to create a school with a national reputation for excellence. This community needs all the innovative, effective schools and teachers it can get. From a strong public, charter and private mix, parents can choose what's best for their child.

Twenty years after the proposed creation of charters, they clearly have a strong presence and play a prominent role in education today. The smaller schools, ambitious educational programs and insistence on parental involvement have resonated with families looking for alternatives. Locally, there has been tremendous pressure from families to address the demand for a charter high school.

Financing has been the major impediment to high school charters because they're more expensive to operate. Charters have kept many families, who aren't satisfied with the public school system, from fleeing to the suburbs -- at least until their children reach ninth grade.

West Michigan entrepreneur J.C. Huizenga plans to open the Grand River Preparatory High School this fall at the former Kelloggsville Christian School, 264 52nd St. SE, in Kentwood. Mr. Huizenga should be commended for his lifelong commitment to education and filling this gap. He founded National Heritage Academies (NHA), which has 55 K-8 focused charters operating in six states, 35 in Michigan. This new school is separate from NHA.

Gateway Middle/High School was the only charter in the city offering high school grades, but it closed last June. Charters thatinclude grades K-12 are in Cedar Springs, Byron Center and Walker and there's Black River Public School in Holland. Wyoming Public Schools is the only public system that runs a charter high school in the area. Against that backdrop of a limited number of high schools, this announcement is a good sign.

Grand River Prep will open with about 200 freshmen, with plans to add one grade per year until 2012. Eligible eighth-graders graduating from three charters -- Vista, Excel and Vanguard academies -- will get enrollment preference. All are managed by NHA. The site is close to the homes of students in feeder schools and there's room to expand on its 14-acres. While the focus is on a fall opening, organizational issues are still being worked out. The school could open readily without its own charter, if considered an extension of an existing academy. Interested families were wisely urged to have a Plan B.

Grand Rapids Public Schools has lost vital cash as its enrollment has declined annually, in part because of charters. News of this charter comes as GRPS is working to improve teaching and learning and launching two specialized schools. Interest is high in its University Preparatory Academy and the Ellington Academy of Arts and Technology, opening this fall, as a part of the Centers of Innovation initiative. Charters are not the sole solution to perceived short-comings in public schools. Many charters have done exceptionally well; others haven't.

Parents should have a healthy menu of good schools to educate their children, and this charter high school would add to those choices. That's great for kids, the community and the state.

One Year and We're Here!

Reviewing the posts on this blog reminds me of where we began in earnest a year ago, to apply pressure. Pressure on NHA and JC Huizenga. Pressure on Grand Rapids Public Schools. Renewing our many-years effort by making the presence of our parents and children known, to the community of educators, so that they would know we we're not going to go quietly. So here we are a year later with a plan on the table for what looks like the real McCoy. YES! Thanks to the group of parents who've worked on this with me. My hope is that this plan will materialize into a barrier-breaking high school, one that will be imitated over and over. We are now in the time of readying for next Fall with our 8th graders. Many of you already have a plan for your child, for next year, as you have been anxious to put things in place for your soon to be 9th grader. With the announcemnet of the coming Grand River Prep Academy, another layer is added for you to consider. As you go about finalizing your plans for the Fall, consider that many have said: "if they build it, we will come". Soon they will begin registration for next year's 9th graders. This is something to get excited about, as JC has stepped out on his own to begin a new company to further what he began with NHA. Please consider this as you continue to make your plans for next Fall!

Below is the article from mlive.com that appeared in today's GR Press.
J.C. Huizenga Announces Plans to Open Charter High School in Kentwood
Posted by Kym Reinstadler | The Grand Rapids Press March 19, 2008 07:52AM
Categories: Breaking News, Editors Choice Top, Editors' Choice, Top Stories

The former Kelloggsville Christian School, 264 52nd St. SE, will become Grand River Preparatory High School.
KENTWOOD -- J.C. Huizenga, the West Michigan entrepreneur who provided the oomph to open 55 elementary National Heritage Academies in six states, says he will launch his first charter high school this fall in greater Grand Rapids.

Grand River Preparatory High School will open with about 200 freshmen at 264 52nd St. SE, in the former Kelloggsville Christian School. Plans are to add one grade per year until 2012, when the school graduates its first class.

It won't be operated by NHA but run by another for-profit management company Huizenga has not yet formed.

The new school comes as Grand Rapids Public Schools plans a partnership with local business leaders to open a University Preparatory Academy by fall in the former Vandenberg Elementary building.


Grand Rapids Superintendent Bernard Taylor said he is "not afraid" of Huizenga's school, saying his district's new school and the planned charter high school likely will attract different families.

"I think this is a case of imitation being the sincerest form of flattery," Taylor said. "I only wish they would have contacted me first. We might have been able to do something together through our Centers of Innovation program."

The Centers of Innovation initiative, which plans to offer specialized, theme-based pilot schools, also includes the Ellington Academy of Arts and Technology, scheduled to open in the fall. The school would start with a 120 sixth- and seventh-graders, adding a grade each year in successive school years.

But when it comes to Huizenga's charter high school, Taylor said his biggest concern is the name's similarity to his district's new offering, and parents might confuse Grand Rapids University Prep with Grand River Prep.

Organizational issues still are being worked out, but the Huizenga high school could open readily, without obtaining its own charter, if it is considered an extension of an existing academy, said Dan Quissenberry, president of the Michigan Association of Public School Academies.

Boards at the NHA-managed Excel, Vista and Vanguard kindergarten through eighth-grade academies agreed to join Huizenga in launching a high school during meetings Tuesday. Students from those schools will get preference during enrollment, said Ginny Seyferth, Huizenga's publicist.

The 225 eighth-graders enrolled in the three academies took letters from Huizenga home Tuesday inviting them to register for Grand River, but urging them to have a Plan B if the start-up doesn't launch.

"I tried to do this a couple years ago, but NHA didn't want to dilute its K-8 focus and pulled back," Huizenga said. "It just feels like the right time to me, so I'm going to step out and do it."

No principal has been hired for Grand River Prep, Huizenga said.

One possibility is Dave Angerer, principal at renowned charter Black River Public School in Holland, who last week announced his resignation, saying only that he is leaving to lead a start-up school in West Michigan. He has declined to name the school and could not be reached for comment.

Huizenga said he is the sole financial backer of the high school but wouldn't disclose how much it's costing him.

The former Kelloggsville Christian School has an assessed value of $966,000, according to public records. Huizenga said he has a purchase agreement on the building and his management group is working with the state to determine what must be done to bring the building up to code.

Several of his early academies opened successfully on a more aggressive timeline, Huizenga said.

Asked whether Grand River Prep will become a template for future charter high schools, Huizenga said, "We're going to open first and see how it goes."

Like NHA schools, Grand River Prep will have an academic focus, character component and emphasize parental involvement, he said.

The Kelloggsville Christian building sits on 14 acres and has been vacant since 2006, when it merged with Cutlerville Christian Schools as Legacy Christian School.

Parents interested in Grand River Preparatory High School may call 776-2792 or e-mail grcharterhigh@gmail.com
The charter school New Branches bid on the same property.

"That's really exciting," said Pam Sult, who for years has urged the management company to extend its schools beyond eighth grade. Her oldest child is a freshman at East Kentwood High School. "I am looking forward to hearing more about it."

-- Press staff writers Beth Loechler and Dave Murray contributed to this story.

2008-2009 year news

I have just heard from a reliable source that Mattie Hampton from Grand Rapids Public Schools has confirmed that students already at a high school(2007-2008 school year) on a Section 6(106) transfer will be grandfathered into a School of Choice spot for the 2008-2009 school year. What does this mean for your child? This means that if your child is in another district high school other than your home district, and you thought you'd have to reapply every year to maintain this spot, you no longer have to go through that process. Your child will have a School of Choice spot and this is a permanent placement. Note Mattie said high school. This does not apply if your child is on a Sect. 6 transfer at elementary or middle school level. Please follow-up on this information at your child's district high school administration office to be sure you are part of this plan. This is progress! More news as it develops. Thank you for reading!

Here's a new one...

Okay, I don't often write here these days, but here goes: Read today's m-live article (below)on the HS teachers having to reapply for their jobs. I think it goes without saying that in every union organization there are some that get to keep jobs that would have been fired long ago at another job. But for the ones who are accomplished, passionate and serious about their profession, reapplying would be so discouraging. We can all agree things need to change, as the current status has become SO publicly uncomfortable!
The superintendent's refusal to address the chaos & safety in the classrooms has become sickening. Who CAN teach when there is no order, and little support if any to create order? Per the news reports, 11,000 documents on "incidents" in the schools? Either this is a trick to snow-under the union with so much paperwork that they give up, or there's a HUGE safety problem here, or both. I wish the union had weighed in on this safety issue before bargaining time. It is its own issue, separate from the insurance argument. This feels like people bidding on who's going to fix the crack in the road, in the middle of an 7.0 earthquake. HELLO?
Please write to the editor of the press, or e-mail Dave Murray Dmurray@grpress.com with your 2 cents. The more folks that participate in this process, the better it is for ALL.
Taylor to H.S. teachers: Time to reapply
Posted by Dave Murray | The Grand Rapids Press February 07, 2008 09:04AM
GRAND RAPIDS -- High school teachers will have to reapply for their posts under a plan to boost school performance, one of a series of reforms planned for the Grand Rapids Public Schools.
Beefed-up security, a truancy crackdown and reaching out to the suburbs also are topics Superintendent Bernard Taylor plans to reveal this weekend in a "State of the Schools" address that mixes celebration and straight talk about challenges facing the city schools.
The plans -- which include giving principals more of a say in their building's staffing -- could further raise the rancor with leaders of the teachers union, who said they weren't told about Taylor's intentions.
Grand Rapids Education Association President Paul Helder said he doesn't think the union's contract will allow "principals to select teachers like a football draft."
"Dr. Taylor has to realize that he is not back in Kansas City and a right-to-work state where contracts can be ignored if they are inconvenient," Helder said. "In the end, he's going to realize that being superintendent isn't the same as being emperor."
Taylor on Wednesday highlighted some of his plans, but is holding back details until the speech, set for 9 a.m. Saturday at Union High School, 1800 Tremont Blvd. NW.
He said the plans will revolve around academics, safety and providing a healthy learning environment for the city's 20,000 students. He also plans to tell suburban residents and businesses how they can help a district he said is "poised for a breakthrough."
"We all have a collective responsibility to solve the problems that face us," he said. "We are the second-biggest city in the state and you are seeking to attract businesses and investment. We cannot grow this region without working together to improve the city's public schools."
Among other plans, Taylor said he will announce:

• Safety training for all teachers and staff and additional surveillance cameras.
• Working more closely with police to track down truant students.
• Efforts to "dispel myths" about violence in the schools.
• Partnerships with a foundation and area businesses for money and expertise to train teachers.
• Placing the new University Prep Academy in the former Vandenberg Elementary School.

But telling the district's 250 high school teachers they will have to ask to get their positions back is expected to draw the most fire.
Taylor said the district's four comprehensive high schools are facing sanctions for failing to meet federal No Child Left Behind testing goals. Taylor said the district plans dramatic changes, looking internally and to outsiders for support.
"I feel it is better to be proactive and restructure the schools ourselves than wait and be reactive," he said.
Teachers in the past have been able to request assignments, but seniority played a large role in determining how they were placed. Taylor believes the current union contract -- which expired in September but is enforced until a new pact is ratified -- gives him the authority to make such moves.
Taylor said principals are held accountable for their school's performance, and should have more of a say in choosing their staff.
Last year, he made assistant principals reapply for their jobs and openly sought outsiders.
But unlike the administrators, teachers who do not return to their desired posts won't be out of work. Taylor said they can be assigned to places where he believes they can be successful.
"I don't want people to say, 'This is my assignment.' I want them to be able to say, 'This is where I want to be,'" Taylor said. "No one is going to lose their job, but after hearing about how a school is going to work, some might ask, 'Is this really where I want to be?' They might want to try something different or retire or go work in some other district."

Helder said Taylor should realize teachers might be more supportive of such changes if they had a voice in the plan.

"He's got to remember the old political adage, that a leader without followers is just a guy taking a walk," he said.

Helder in the fall said he believes Taylor "declared war" on the union, and the relationship between Taylor and union leaders has become increasingly tense.

Board of Education members said they were advised of the changes and support them.

"Schools don't willfully fail, and we don't want to start blaming people," Amy McGlynn said. "I understand the desire to make radical changes because kids can't wait four years for us to do things differently. This is the one chance they get, and it has to happen now."

School of Choice Rules Eased -article

There is a chart in the press (that did not copy here), that is very telling of the transfer situation to other districts.

School choice rules eased

Posted by Dave Murray | The Grand Rapids Press January 25, 2008 05:10AM
GRAND RAPIDS -- Kent County superintendents are revising their much-criticized school choice plan to make it easier for students to move between districts.

However, the changes also ease rules administrators say were created to stem "an exodus" from Grand Rapids Public Schools.

The changes give parents more time to find seats in other schools. They also move away from a criticized alternate transfer plan that lets districts block children from leaving or coming.

Superintendents are making the changes based on a review by an outside auditor, initiated after Grand Rapids Superintendent Bernard Taylor was blasted by parents last fall for saying he would not release children until he had a chance to prove he could meet their educational needs.


About 7,800 Kent County students attend school outside their home districts, up from 1,851 in 1998. But that growth lags behind that of other, similar-sized intermediate school districts, according to the auditor, a Calhoun Intermediate School District administrator.

The Kent County plan -- once criticized as one of the most restrictive in the state -- let districts determine how many students they would accept and limited parents to a month in the spring to apply.

"At the time the plan was created, there was a conscious effort to work with Grand Rapids to help it maintain enrollment," said Rockford Superintendent Michael Shibler.

"They were overly concerned about an exodus taking place. But the best way to prevent an exodus is to improve your product and provide a safe environment. Then people will stay."

In addition to that school choice plan, districts used a second transfer procedure to let students leaving charter and parochial schools -- and hundreds of others -- bypass lotteries as long as both the accepting and receiving districts signed off on the move.

Charter school parents living in Grand Rapids but promised seats in East Kentwood High protested last fall when Taylor initially said he wouldn't release the students.

Taylor said that alternate transfer plan -- which educators call "section 6" -- was intended for extenuating circumstances.

Now superintendents are changing the primary choice plan, giving a longer application period, from April 14 to June 6, for parents to participate in lotteries. And parents would have until the start of the school year to take unclaimed seats in other districts.

Giving parents more time to apply through school choice is expected to ease the demand for the section 6 plan and relieve superintendents of the option to reject transfers.

Taylor said the report, released Thursday, shows he was within his rights to reject transfer requests. This year, parents of 954 students requested their children be released from the district. Taylor denied 331.

"I don't want to say 'I told you so,' but the audit showed that these section 6 transfers were not the way these requests should have been handled," he said. "These were loopholes that needed to be closed."

One of the parents who challenged Taylor praised the changes, hoping for more choice.

"I think it's good that they opened the window to allow more parents to have access to the system," said Pam Sult of Grand Rapids. "Now we have to make sure the districts see the value of having those slots for outsiders and make them open for us."

Superintendents care about the transfers because state aid follows students, and millions of dollars have flowed from Grand Rapids to suburban neighbors. Wyoming and Forest Hills each have more than 900 non-resident students.

Northview, which borders Grand Rapids, has 704 non-resident students -- about 21 percent of the district's enrollment.

Wyoming Superintendent Jon Felske said extending the application period into the summer better serves parents, who often decide to make a change after report cards come home at the end of the year.

He said superintendents creating the plan in 1996 picked the shorter, spring application period to make transferring more difficult.

"The more inconvenient you make it for people to use the system, the fewer people will leave," Felske said. "But there has been so much turnover in superintendents since this plan was created. The people who put this puzzle together are no longer at the table, and that makes it easier for us to make changes"

The Audit Results are In...

Buy the Grand Rapids Press(FRIDAY)! I just spoke with Dave Murray from the press and the report on the Section 106 audit will be in the press tomorrow. He said the timeline for the "school of choice" is going to be expanded to run from April 1 to the beginning of the following Fall, so more people will have access to this process. And the findings on the section 106 releases were that GR has been following the rule (very close to the letter), but, that they thought the tight window for school of choice was seeming to cause too many section 106 requests.(HA)
Given the blow-up at the board meeting and the stories that have followed (see WXMI Fox 17 webpage) there are a lot things coming out that haven't been "news" until now. Take good notes, make copies and get ready to make your own best case. Peace!

Sidewalks...

What is a sidewalk? Is is designed to take away from the driving space in the road? Is it a place where only the smallest children can roam? NO! It is a place designed for us ALL to walk safely away from motorized traffic, that we might get from point A to B without meeting our demise by being run down by an automobile!
That having been said, why are high school kids blocking lanes of traffic by walking, NO, STROLLING, in a stream 4-5 people wide, down Kalamazoo Ave. North of Burton on Friday afternoon???? As this takes place,the security personnel(plural) are chatting and laughing, and these kids basically bring traffic to a halt! They could plainly view the area of which I'm speaking. I passed through this area on Friday afternoon November 16, and returned 15 minutes later to see the security people heading back to Ottawa Hills HS. The crowd on the corner bus stops had not dispursed, and 2 police cars were now present. So where were the security strolling off to, when there was still a huge crowd at Burton and Kazoo? What kind of lesson is this teaching these students?
These are questions one needs to ask when we consider the "safety and security" of the students. Consider this when making your applications for schools. Thanks.

Latest info.

Here's a few tidbits for you to peruse: The Mackinaw Center for Public Policy did a story on the changing charter schools in the Michigan Education Report(link at left) not a lot of new information there, but good exposure for our cause.

Did anyone see the public access channel 27 production this week, of Dr. Taylor chatting with Larry Johnson the security chief from GRPS on the finer points of what might be considered ASSAULT? I'm not sure what the purpose of this is, accept to reassure people that althought there are lots of altercations in the schools, they don't classify them as assault. HELLO? Is anyone hearing this? This confirms what we've been finding so far, which is there is a lot more violence "going on" in the schools than we will ever hear about in a public access promo, or in the newspaper. The fact that they even feel the need to go on TV and discuss this is ludicris. GASP.

Here's a NEW one I hadn't heard...

Just spoke with one of our diligent parents who met with the Honorable Mayor George Heartwell. There, she was made aware that there is "no longer an issue" with kids being retained, because Dr. Taylor has signed off and released the remaining 330-some that had previously been denied. True???>>>>I'm checking on it and I'll get back to you. Since it's past count day, they could have chosen to cut expenses by releasing these kids, but keeping the money...
What I need is names. NAMES and contact info. for students not been released, or if you or someone you know of has been recently released by GRPS, please send me an e-mail to me at the hotmail address listed under contacts(to the left)(don't post in comments).
I also learned today that the AUDIT that the KISD has committed to has not been requested by them, yet! Time to give a call to KISD and ask for an update and when can we expect it to be started?

And to think all this is going on while we sleep(or whatever)!!!!

Recent Events

I know it's been a while, so I'm writing just briefly about the recent events in the community. The resignation of Jim Rinck was timely with all the upheaval at the schoolboard & other meetings, and pressure on them to "do" something about the state of the school programs & safety, not just fix the buildings. The new gal seems sharp, but she was quoted on the news the night she was selected by the board, and she seemed to be parroting Dr. Taylor, talking about the financials and the facilities. More soon! Happy Halloween ;-)

Charter High School delay

I have recently learned from the charter developer we spoke with, that their target date for proceeding is now Fall of 2009. I know this is a disappointment. I will write more as it becomes available to me, but for now, you can make your plans for next year with this information in hand. Thank you!

Another letter Oct. 4th

Sorry board members

The racist and ridiculous comments made by two Grand Rapids Public Schools board members directed at families who would like to use the Section 6 school choice option allowed to them are reason enough to justify anyone wanting to leave the GRPS district. " It's just blatant racism," board member Arnie Smithalexander said. Board member Lisa Hinkel said, "I'd tell them they are free to move to the district of their choice, or they could pay tuition to whatever private or parochial school they want."

It is absolutely frightening to think that anyone as closed-minded as these two people are allowed to have anything at all to do with influencing the future of our youth. Is the GRPS board in place to problem-solve or to create more problems? With leaders like this in place, it is no wonder our Grand Rapids Public Schools are experiencing such overall dismal testing results and declining enrollment.

-- MARK EDWARDS/Grand Rapids


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Moved to Serve on the GRPS School Board?

If you haven't already read the postings or the newspaper today, Jim Rinck resigned from the school board at their Monday night meeting. They have 30 days to fill the spot and are asking for anyone interested to write a formal letter. So here's your opportunity. The qualified person would live in Grand Rapids and be of strong character. You must be feisty. I cannot overestimate this. Good luck! Pam

No news yet on the charter high school

I wish I knew something more to tell you, than I expect to hear something soon (next 1-2 months) about the long-talked-about and dangled-like-a-carrot charter high school. I believe we are getting closer, but could really use some parents to speak their feelings/desires to NHA about this subject. Want to help? Email me(see address at left) and I'll send you in the right direction! Thanks!

I suggest you wait an hour after eating to read this one...

Read 4.0's rebuttle at the bottom...

Grand Rapids Public Schools deserve support
Saturday, September 29, 2007By Vickie and Brian Craig
Special To The Press

For over two decades, we have sent our daughters to Grand Rapids Public Schools. They have received fine educations and outstanding preparation for life in our diverse world. Here is our formula for school improvement: join us. Send your children to Grand Rapids Public Schools. Pay attention. Get involved. If you invest your children and your effort, your commitment will be returned by fine schools and great educations. It is no different for any district, urban or otherwise.

We get out what we put in. It is so elegantly clear; you and your child's presence make all the difference. We only receive a return on human capital if we invest it. We would add a fourth, preferred choice to GRPS school board member Lisa Hinkel's list of alternatives for parents who seek to exit the district: live in the city and send your children to Grand Rapids Public Schools. Imagine the contribution that 900 additional families with high expectations could make to our schools!

When we move from the city, either physically or by school choice, what and who do we turn our backs on? Many families without means or role models remain in the urban core, where conditions worsen because a little piece of capital has departed. We contribute to a great divide -- between the communities with the capital, and the "great" schools, and those with less capital, and the "struggling" schools.

The transition from de jure to de facto racial segregation in the United States is now complete, with no legal remedy on the horizon. Instead of facing and addressing inequity through vision and transforming it into policy, we have sought to achieve some sort of educational "choice" through charter schools and voucher proposals. Instead of seeing children stuck in inequitable circumstances, and their urban schools as the symptom of far larger inequities, partisans of these alternatives erode the salvageable features of public schools with seductive marketing and easy fixes.

Some point to test scores as a rationale for school choice. This is disingenuous marketing. Yes, there is a high correlation between poverty and poor test performance. Sadly, there is also a high correlation between poverty and race in our society. And yes, GRPS has a disproportionately high share of students who live in poverty. However, education is about each individual and their limitless potential.

There is no evidence that students of similar demographics do worse in school and life (or even tests) for having attended city schools, rather than suburban, private or charter schools. We believe that our district's children, because they have learned to live and learn with people from all walks of life, are far better prepared as leaders and citizens.

This myth of "average" test scores is like the chestnut about the person who drowned in a stream with an average depth of six inches, because they stepped in a hole 10 feet deep. Only upside down. No child is average. Each is individual, and we know how hard the people of GRPS work to make sure that each can rise up without limits.

The only way to give all of our children a better future is to let them meet each other, every day, at school. Schools truly are the crucible where the future is formed. It is up to us as individuals to consciously choose to place our own children in the diverse future that they will inhabit. Or we can turn away, and make that transition more challenging for them by rationalizing our own hesitations.

The recent controversy over Indian Trails Golf Course can be interpreted from many points of view. It is instructive here, because it is a specific example of people who choose to live in Grand Rapids for its diversity expressing their values and priorities. People clearly spoke out for an inclusive future. Quality of life in the city matters.

We are saddened and dismayed by the consequences of white flight. If "things are getting worse," it is because too many people with economic and social capital have chosen to leave urban schools. They select whatever "better place to live" they can afford, rather than establish themselves in a neighborhood and schools where, by their witness and participation, they could form and enjoy the places where diversity and excellent schools happen by choice.

These consequences are not borne by our school district so much as they are borne by our children and their futures. Nine hundred students are a high school! Imagine what a fine school it could be if your children were there.

-- Brian Craig, an architect, is a former member of the Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education. Vickie Craig, an English as a Second Language instructor, serves on the board of the Michigan PTSA.

Note from 4.0: This is the same "grool" the GR system fed us all through our formative years. FYI:You're supposed to have a balanced diet. They say you are what you eat. Well, if you dine on this junk long enough, you might actually start to think the way this couple does. Excuse me, a child getting pushed around at school doesn't serve anyone. A child having to wait to learn, while others decide to pay attention doesn't serve anyone either. Least of all the child who eagerly gets to school on time and pays attention and obeys the rules because that's what he's supposed to do. Okay, there I said it. Thanks for checking in!

Letters to the Editor in Press, Oct. 1st & 2nd

Race not the issue (Oct. 2nd)

I am writing in response to the article in the Tuesday Sept. 18 edition titled "Like us or leave us, GR board tells parents." School board member Arnie Smithalexander stated that some parents seek student transfers out of the Grand Rapids district because of "blatant racism. They don't want to send their kids to our schools because of the way our kids look. And if they want to send their kids to Kentwood, Grandville or Hudsonville, then fine. They should move there."

It is obvious from her statement that she has never been inside any of our local charter schools.

Local charter schools are racially and economically diverse. The majority of charter school parents did not choose a charter school over GRPS because of the presence of minorities. It angers me that Ms. Smithalexander would bring race into the issue.

Many of us like Grand Rapids and are happy in our culturally diverse neighborhoods; we are just not satisfied with our neighborhood schools and want something better for our children. We want higher academic standards, a safer learning environments and access to better music and arts programs.

The charter schools' four main pillars of higher academic excellence, moral focus, student responsibility and parental partnerships are what keep us there. Safety is a big factor in why parents choose to send their children to charter schools.

Unfortunately for GRPS this has trickled down and is affecting the middle and elementary as well as the high schools.

-- LYNNE BEALS/Grand Rapids

All about money (Oct. 1st)

I'm writing about The Press article "Like us or leave us, GR board tells parents" (Sept. 18). Why is it that the first thing that comes out of certain people's mouths is racism? The remark made by Arnie Smithalexander is very much uncalled for. "It's just blatant racism. . .They don't want to send their kids to our schools because of the way our kids look." That's being racist. It's all about the money. That's why she is saying this.

--We the parents have the right to pursue choice opportunities.

-- Parents who live in Grand Rapids pay property taxes and some of that tax goes to Grand Rapids schools.

-- Parents who send their kids to other schools provide transportation for their kids.

-- If all families who send their kids to other schools who lived in the Grand Rapids school district moved out of Grand Rapids, who would be paying the property taxes that helps support the district? It sure wouldn't be us; Grand Rapids schools would go broke.

What gives her the right to judge parents who send their kids to other schools? How does she know the reason parents send kids to other schools? Has she ever asked why? She is the one who is being racist. She obviously doesn't like the way our kids look and this is the reason why I would not let my kids go to Grand Rapids schools because of her and other board members' attitudes. Like I said, it's all about the money, not the kids' education.

-- LISA BOLAND/Grand Rapids

GRPS should do better (Oct. 1st)

If you don't like it you can leave? A private business adopting this attitude wouldn't last long ("Like us or leave us, GR board tells parents," Press, Sept. 18). It amazes me that our "leaders" can't take responsibility for the mess they created.

We all want the best education and safest atmosphere for our children. The visible measurement of school success is what's seen in published test reports. Since children are our most valuable resource, why would anyone with means and mobility send their children to schools with low test scores or a "rough" atmosphere?

Since the year 2000, Grand Rapids Public Schools have closed the most successful elementary schools in the city: Hillcrest, Vandenberg, West Leonard and Fountain. Our elementary schools are where families become committed to GRPS.

These programs attracted people (transfers) who saw a way to get a quality education in GRPS. The district restricted transfers to other districts (which kept students and money in the district). The district wouldn't have its house painted by someone that did shoddy work, just because he had a ladder, paint brush and lived in the neighborhood.

I won't send my children to a school with low scores, just because it happens to be close to my home.

If the district bothered to do exit interviews with families leaving, it would find "superior education" and "safety" to be the dominating reasons people leave GRPS. They'd also find Asian, black and Hispanic families leaving the district. This is not a racial issue.

-- SALLY LOWE/Grand Rapids

School board member resignation or praise Bernard Taylor and I-am-outta-here!

4.0 here: Do you think there'll be more resignations?

Rinck steps down from GR school board
Posted by The Grand Rapids Press October 01, 2007 19:45PM
Categories: Breaking News

Jim Rinck
GRAND RAPIDS -- In a surprise move, longtime Grand Rapids Public Schools board member Jim Rinck resigned tonight, taking a few parting shots at his colleagues.
Rinck, 49, said the school board is "not functioning as it should," and after 14.5 years he no longer can be a part of it.

While he praised Bernard Taylor as "one of the two best superintendents" he's worked with, the former school board president alluded to divisiveness among the board members.

"I would have done this sooner, but I wanted to stay because of Bernard," Rinck said after the meeting.

"He's a great superintendent and he needs a better board. I no longer felt I could be productive working with that board."

Rinck, a Calvin College graduate, works as an attorney.

He recently ran a failed campaign for Grand Rapids mayor, and said he also resigned from the Democratic Party. "I'm done with politics."

Today's letter to the editor

Thank you for your continued effort!

Communicate with parents

In response to the article concerning racism and the Grand Rapids Public Schools: I have children in Kentwood and GRPS and have a unique perspective on the schools.

Why I chose to send one of my children to Kentwood has nothing to do with the way the kids look -- or their minority status. We are hard-working, middle-class, minority parents who want the best for our kids. There are many Grand Rapids residents who could say the same thing. The schools we choose have to do with the programs they offer.

Alger Middle School in GRPS, where my son attends, is improving. The building is "state of the art." Technology is present. Effort is being made by staff to gain control.

Where Alger lacks is in parent/teacher communication and in parent involvement. My advice for GRPS would be to communicate with parents, and they will get involved. Once they do, that impact will be astonishing, and parents will be beating down the GRPS doors, just as they are at other districts.

-- ANNIE YOUNG/Grand Rapids

Here's an opposing view-send responses to the pulse!

Wednesday, September 26, 2007
GR school opportunities

Ms. Arnie Smithalexander's impolite comments ("Like us or leave us, GR board tells parents," Press, Sept. 18) have given people leave to ignore the original issue -- charter school parents bristling at having to follow the same rules as all other parents living in the Grand Rapids Public School district who might want to access the school of choice option.
It is frustrating to hear people -- many of whom have never darkened the threshold of a Grand Rapids school -- say that our schools are dangerous and substandard. That has not been my experience or that of many friends whose children have attended a variety of Grand Rapids schools over the past 15 years. GRPS has provided good teachers, significant program options and generous opportunities for us to become involved in our children's education.

While it is arrogant to say racism is the main reason parents choose to leave GRPS, it is naive and ostrich-like to believe that racism and, even more, class-ism are not important factors in GRPS's declining enrollment.

Our family, however, feels that our children have been blessed with many benefits from attending the public schools in Grand Rapids.

-- MARY ROBINSON/Grand Rapids

Here we are, or, where are we?

As I monitor this situation and do more reading & listening, I have learned:
1) the fear of the GRPS Superintendent, Board & "Cabinet" to hear from others
2) the ability of the citizens of Grand Rapids to decide for themselves how they want their child's education to go
3) the number of people who want education change, but don't know what to do(who do you turn to?)
4) the number of people who want a new school board & superintendent for GR.
5) many people are planning to move when the time comes, and those who can't/don't wish to move, are left begging to transfer.

I have heard from those who've expressed frustration with the system and not just GRPS, but the troubles come more with GRPS due to their unwillingness to cooperate during this difficult time. Time is coming fast for the 8th grade parents to be deciding what to do for 9th grade next year. Will we have a charter high school? Will I be homeschooling? Should I file a Section 6 transfer request, or do a School of Choice first, to try and get an adequate education for my child? These are all very good questions.
What you can do:
As we focus forward, contact NHA about your desire for a charter high school. Believe that come next Fall, you will have a great place for your child to call "home" for their freshman or sophomore year! Write down all the things you would like to see in a charter high school, and check on your local schools to see what they do/don't have, that would make you want to send/not send your child to that school. Talk to other parents and encourage them to do the same. Bottom line, study! Be prepared with this information, so when asked for, you have a ready list of what you need and what your circumstances would be, if necessary.
Contact our Mayor and City Commission and tell them if you plan to move or not, or just what your situation is, if you live in GR.

E-mail your ideas(see link for 4.0) to me and I will try to post some of them on this blog.
Thanks!

Editorial Letters Continue

Well said!:

Transfers education driven

I am writing in response to The Press Sept. 18 article "Like us or leave us, GR board tells parents." Shame on Grand Rapids Board of Education member Arnie Smithalexander! Parents are not trying to transfer their children out because of how other children look. Who's racist now?

I am a Grand Rapids citizen, and thank goodness my children do not attend the Grand Rapids Public Schools. Yes, I am one of those parents, a lucky one! They do not attend for one simple reason: academic standards. It seems to me parents want out now because of remarks made by a GRPS boardmember. Who can blame them now? They are only thinking about their children's education, not racism!

-- BARB JACOBS/Grand Rapids

Lower school costs

I am responding to the Sept. 19 Press article "Can low-funded schools catch up?" Low-funded schools? Wake up, Michigan! So our public schools are struggling with unequal spending per child per district? That is unfortunate, but look at the amount being spent. The lowest amount listed per student for 2006-07 was $7,100 (Comstock Park). And that price doesn't even include the cost of the buildings.

We send our children to a local Christian school where our students are educated for about $6,000 per year. That includes paying for our buildings. Shame on our state government for the waste of spending that is going on in our public schools.

As a taxpayer, I would love it if our state government gave me a voucher for $7,100 to pay for our kids' Christian school tuition.

The whole system needs a higher level of accountability in order to break the monopoly that the Michigan Education Association has over our schools. Equal rights for taxpayers! Let parents choose where that per-pupil funding goes! That would introduce competition between schools, which would lower cost and increase quality in all the schools.

-- MEG CUSACK

Grand Rapids

Ethnic Breakdown of Charter Schools

Thank you Dave Murray for checking on this!

Ethnic breakdown of charter schools
Posted by Dave Murray | The Grand Rapids Press September 22, 2007 17:54PM
Categories: Education
Ruth Kemp, a retired Godwin Heights teacher, sent me this e-mail about the recent school choice stories.

"As a former, proud, public school teacher, it has always been my contention that ALL schools should deliver quality education, and that when one school is in trouble, ALL schools should help so that no child receives a perceived 'poor education.'

You state that charter school leaders don't believe that racism prompts parents to seek their schools, and that half of the students enrolled are minorities.

I have always been led to believe that this is not true. In the interest of fair reporting, would you please do a follow-up article listing the ethnic breakdown of the 22 schools in the Kent Intermediate district? I am sure this would be enlightening; I may have been misled in my thinking.

If the Grand Rapids schools are abandoned, they will become a center for special education students whose economic circumstances prevent them from seeking other avenues. No one in this part of West Michigan can afford to allow that to happen. We must work to make sure that all students receive quality education in ALL districts."

Easy enough to check. Standard & Poor's maintains schoolmatters.com, which has statistics for just about every area imaginable. The only downside is that the numbers are a little stale, coming from 2005.

I included information from Kent County and the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District.

Black River
White: 80.9%
Minority: 19.1%

Byron Center
White: 94.9%
Minority 5.1%

Chandler Woods
White: 94.7%
Minority: 5.3%

Creative Technologies
White: 95.3%
Minority: 4.7%

Cross Creek
White: 91%
Minority 9%

Eagle Crest
White: 72.3%
Minority: 27.7%

Excel
White: 49.2%
Minority: 40.8%

Gateway
White: 29%
Minority: 71%

GR Child Discovery
White: 43.9%
Minority: 56.1%

Grattan
White: 96.2%
Minority: 3.8%

Grattan High School
White: 96.4%
Minority: 3.6%

Horizons
White: 53.4%
Minority: 46.6%

Knapp
White: 74.9%
Minority: 25.1%

New Branches
White: 41.5%
Minority: 58.5%

Ridge Park
White: 31.4%
Minority: 68.6%

Vanderbilt
White: 47.5%
Minority: 52.5%

Vanguard
White: 78.4%
Minority: 21.6%

Vista
White: 10.5%
Minority: 89.5%

Walden Green
White: 90.2%
Minority: 9.8%

Walker
White: 85.1%
Minority: 14.9%

WM Acad. Arts & Academics
White: 84.2%
Minority: 15.8%

WM Acad. Env. Sci.
White: 70.4%
Minority: 29.6%

William Abney
White: 1%
Minority 99%

Now keep in mind, the person quoted in the story was referring to schools managed by National Heritage Academies. Those would be: Chandler Woods, Cross Creek, Eagle Crest, Excel, Knapp, Ridge Park, Vanderbilt, Vanguard and Vista.

The 50 percent figure seems about right. There are certainly schools that lean more to one side or the other, but they seem to be reflective of the communities where the schools are located.

E-mail Dave Murray: dmurray@grpress.com

Letters to the Editor of the press

The themes of these letters should resonate with our leaders, that what we want and need is a better education for our kids.



Better education

In the Sept. 18 Press article "Like us or leave us, GR board tells parents," school board member Arnie Smithalexander is quoted as saying "It's just blatant racism," referring to parents who want to send their children to suburban schools for a better education.

"They don't want to send their kids to our schools because of the way our kids look," she said. "And if they want to send their kids to Kentwood, Grandville or Hudsonville, then fine. They should move there."

For her statement to be true we need to make some broad assumptions about Grand Rapids. We have to assume that Grand Rapids Public Schools offer a quality education. We have to assume that the only people seeking to send their children to suburban schools are white. We have to assume that there are no minority parents seeking a better education for their children. And we have to assume that the only people pursuing a better education for their children have the financial means to pay for private school or to just "move there."

While the children of Grand Rapids arguably continue to receive a substandard education, a school board member is trying to cloud the issue with the race card. This is the trump card played when there is no argument in support of your position. Instead of spending time finding ways to slander parents seeking a good education for their children, Ms. Smithalexander should be working on fixing what's broke.

-- SCOTT SULT/Grand Rapids

Hiding behind racism

I was completely disgusted to read Grand Rapids Board of Education member Arnie Smithalexander's assessment of why parents want their kids to attend suburban schools as " 'It's just blatant racism. . .' Minority students make up about 75 percent of the city school district. 'They don't want to send their kids to our schools because of the way our kids look' " ("Like us or leave us, GR board tells parents," Press. Sept. 18).

Choosing to hide behind the curtain of racism has seemingly blinded her from the fact that her board is at the helm of a sinking ship. Students assaulting their principal, a gun discharged at a school and fires set in wastebaskets, lead me to believe she is selling an inferior product.

That is the reason families are leaving her district, not racism. The schools are failing to keep students safe. Race and skin color have nothing to do with that.

-- DAN PETERMAN

Georgetown Township


A better education

If you want to move your child out of the Grand Rapids Public Schools, you are a racist. At least that's what one school board member says ("Like us or leave us, GR board tells parents," Press, Sept. 18). "It's blatant racism," said board member Arnie Smithalexander. "They don't want to send their kids to our schools because of the way our kids look."

Did parents actually tell her that? Did someone send her a letter to that fact? I doubt it.

Why do some people have no problem attaching racism to just about anything they can't explain? Is it possible parents are leaving the GR schools for the suburbs and charter schools because they feel they'll get a better education for their kids? Or maybe they are tired of their hard-earned and taxed money being spent more on teacher salaries and pensions instead of on the kids in the classroom where it belongs. Remember: You can fool some of the people some of the time.

-- MIKE DAVIS/Wyoming


The best education

This is in response to the Sept. 18 Press article "Like us or leave us, GR board tells parents." I am a Grand Rapids resident, and I take offense with Board of Education member Arnie Smitalexander's comment that requests to be released from Grand Rapids Public Schools are racially motivated.

I attended the meeting with Dr. Bernard Taylor and his cabinet on Sept. 11, reported in The Press ('I'm being used as a scapegoat'), and though race was mentioned, it was not the reason any of us want to leave GRPS.

It is solely based on the schools failing our children -- all children.

As a parent, I won't accept an education that is poor or moderate. I want excellence out of our schools, regardless of color or economic status. Yes, we have some choices, though choice can be limited based on ability to move and economic conditions.

I don't want to leave Grand Rapids, I love my town and look forward to raising my kids here. Improve the schools and I'll come back. Otherwise, release those who want to leave and get to work making GRPS something we want to come back to.

-- PATRICIA A. DAGLE

Grand Rapids

KISD audit article from the press

KISD Seeks Independent Audit on Student Transfers
Thursday, September 20, 2007By Dave MurrayThe Grand Rapids Press
GRAND RAPIDS -- Kent County educators want the state Education Department to audit their school transfer policies as parents complain Grand Rapids administrators are preventing some students from attending suburban schools.

An independent auditor would determine whether local districts are following state laws, particularly for transfers outside the school choice plan, where schools can be selective in which students they accept from other districts.

Superintendent Kevin Konarska of the Kent Intermediate School District said he called for the review after a tense meeting last week between charter school parents and Grand Rapids Public Schools administrators.

Parents argued the city schools are unfairly preventing students who live in the city but never attended city schools from transferring to outlying high schools.

"There were questions raised, so we think it is appropriate to have an outsider come in, look at what everyone is doing and make sure they are following all the state guidelines," Konarska said.

The KISD oversees the choice program, which allows students to attend schools outside their home districts if the accepting district makes space available.

But children also can transfer as long as the home district releases the student and another accepts them -- a process county educators until this year recommended for students leaving charter and parochial schools.

Grand Rapids Superintendent Bernard Taylor said that transfer plan was intended only for special circumstances, and said he would not release students unless parents could prove their needs could not be met in the city schools.

This year, parents of 954 students requested their children be released from the district. Taylor denied 331 of the requests.

Taylor -- with strong support from his school board -- has said he expected other county superintendents to adhere to a similar process.
KISD seeks independent audit on student transfers
Page 2 of 2
But suburban districts have handled transfers differently.

Some superintendents, such as East Grand Rapids' Sara Shubel, allow the moves only when there are extenuating circumstances.

But others, such as Wyoming's Jon Felske and Rockford's Michael Shibler, said they grant releases to anyone who asks.

This year, Wyoming Public Schools released about as many students as it accepted through the transfer and choice plans.

"I sign off on 100 percent of them," Felske said of release requests. He estimated his district accepted 300 transfers in addition to the 150 students who came in through the choice plan.

"Why would I want an unhappy family in my schools? If someone thinks another district can better meet their needs, I'm not going to stand in their way."

Grand Rapids school officials said they welcome the audit but believe it should be the first step in a more in-depth study of the choice plan and its impact on districts.

Charter school advocates cheered the decision to seek outside help. Alisha Adrianese, Michigan Association of Public School Academies' West Michigan regional director, said local educators will see the inconsistencies of their actions.

"You can't have a system where one district releases everyone and another makes it impossible for people to leave," she said. "I think it's great that they want to study this."

Send e-mail to the author: dmurray@grpress.com

Letters from parents!

Several letters received as a result of the press article on racism:
I am deeply troubled by the comments made at the School Board Meeting (as reported in the Grand Rapids Press). I am troubled because if this is what the board members think, then they are out of touch with reality. If they are this out of touch GRPS needs new board members.
As a parent of children in two School Districts (Both Kentwood and GRPS), I have a unique perspective on the school systems.
The reason that I choose to send one of my children to Kentwood has absolutely nothing to do with the way that the kids in GRPS look-or their minority status.
The reason that I choose to send my kids to the schools that they attend has to do with the programs that they offer, and an evaluation of what will they provide for my child. -Much like college evaluation and selection.
I live in Grand Rapids and I own a beautiful home in a great neighborhood. We are not poor, single parenting, or drug addicted. We are hard working middle class, productive, minority parents who want the best for our kids. I believe that there are many other parents that live in Grand Rapids, and the GRPS district that could say the same thing about themselves.
When you evaluate the programs at Kentwood and GRPS you find them to be completly different.
My opinion is that Kentwood emanates the blue ribbon status that they have earned. One of my children wants to be a part of that, and wants the education that they offer. She attends the 9 th grade Freshman Campus.
On the other hand, GRPS, specifically, Alger Middle School where my son attends is becoming a better school. The building is "state of the art". Technology is present in every classroom. You can see the effort being made by the staff to really gain control and turn things around. They have laid out to the parents solid, achievable goals to bring learning level up to a higher standard. I believe that the Principals of that school are engaged and committed to providing quality education.
Where GRPS- Alger Middle school lacks is in parent/teacher communication and in parent involvement.
For example, there is little communication between teachers and parents at Alger. Parents have to work very hard to get information. This year, I reached out to the teachers at GRPS-Alger Middle by email. I received 2 very complete, professional responses, One 3 word response, and 3 of the teachers failed to respond. To my knowledge, there are no blogs, and on online gradebook has been in the works for a long time, but has yet to materialize.
In contrast, I have never sent an email to Kentwood and have received 25 emails from teachers and coaches. 25 long, informational packed emails. Emails that were not specific to my child, but information to keep me informed about what is going on. In addition to the emails, some of the teachers' blog information to inform parents (and remind students) of homework and projects, and finally there is an online gradebook.
At Kentwood, because there is better communication, and there is more parent involvement. I know what is going on, and the parents e-mail each other. I know when to be involved. I believe that communication and parent involvement go hand in hand.
If I could could offer advise to GRPS it would have nothing to do with race. My advice would be to use technology to communicate to your parents, get them involved, tell them at least once a week what you are doing, and your parents will get involved. Once your parents get involved I believe that impact will be astonishing, and then you will have parents that want to attend your schools. Parents will be beating down your doors just as they are beating down the doors of Kentwood, Grandville and Hudsonville.
So in conclusion, I choose to send one of my children to another district because they are capable of providing what she needs and wants – and for no other reason.

Another letter:Letter to the Editor – Grand Rapids Press
September 20, 2007


Dr. Taylor and the GRPS Board refuse to acknowledge that there are no good choices for education in this district – particularly at the high school level. Parents don’t want to leave, but are forced to try due to the lack of adequate options here.

Families do not transfer their students when their resident district is providing quality education. Dr. Taylor acknowledges almost 1000 transfer requests this year. Many more were made but never forwarded to GRPS because of its standing order to deny them. Still more parents thought that Section 6 transfers no longer existed and never applied.

GRPS has no fewer resources to educate students than surrounding districts. GRPS educators are no less skilled or dedicated than other teachers. GRPS facilities are no less viable and GRPS students are no less intelligent than others.

The focus must be on CHANGE – not avoidance, blame, whining, sarcasm, or cries of racism. The parents that are voicing their concerns are the same ones that would likely dig in and help create that change. GRPS should welcome their passion and turn it into action.

Families want the best education for their children and currently GRPS does not provide that. Parents consider other options and encounter roadblocks. Holding families against their will and better judgment is not the answer. GRPS should work mightily toward providing the kind of education parents are requiring, and until that is accomplished get out of the way so that it can be obtained elsewhere.


Another letter:
I was totally appalled by the statement Mrs. Arnie Smithalexander made about parents that live in Grand Rapids and choose to send their kids to other school districts through 'schools of choice'. She said "It's blatant racism" that parents would choose other districts and not GRPS since the district is 75% African-American. Such a statement is totally ludicrous. She's making a blanket statement on those who wish to send their children to schools outside the district. I believe her statement is racist in and of itself.

I have a few questions for Mrs. Smithalexander:

1: Of the parents that are using 'schools of choice' and are of African extraction, are you saying they're racist toward their own race?

2: I'm of European heritage. You wouldn't know it by looking at me or my children, but I happen to have nearly 40 blood relatives that to one degree or another are of African heritage. Are you saying if I were to choose 'schools of choice' that I'm racist against some of my own family members?

3: With your utterly crazy statement and assumption, is it any wonder that those who want to send their children to other school districts choose that option? You're a school board member, and you're making statements like that!?! Mrs. Smithalexander, you are exhibit one in my book on why we shouldn't send our kids to the GRPS! You've made our point!
Another letter:

This is in response to (like us or leave us....GR board tells parents 9/18) I am a grand rapids resident and I take offense at Arnie Smith-Alexanders comment that our request to be released from GRPS is racially motivated. I attended the meeting with Dr. Taylor and his cabinet on 9/11 and though race was mentioned, it was however not the reason any of us want to leave GRPS. It is solely based on the fact that the schools are failing our children, ALL children. As a parent I won't accept and education that is poor or moderate. I want excellence out of our schools regardless of color or economic stature. Yes we have some choices, though choice can be limited based on ability to move and economic conditions. I know I don't want to leave Grand Rapids, I love my town and look forward to raising my kids here. I reiterate what I said at the meeting, improve the schools and I'll come back, otherwise release those who want to leave and get to work making GRPS something we want to come back to.

Contact 4.0 by e-mail!

I now have an e-mail address where I can be contacted. When you contact me the first time, it would be helpful to me if you would please include:
-your contact information: if I may contact you by phone?
-city you live in
-home school district
-tell me if I may use your comments to further this issue, such as forwarding it to Dave Murray(educational reporter)at the press.

Email me at freemykid4.0@hotmail.com

Thank you for reading and sharing this information as appropriate. Your comments are welcome and appreciated.

Mayor article from today's press

GR Can't Afford to Snub Families, Mayor says

Wednesday, September 19, 2007By Dave Murray The Grand Rapids Press
GRAND RAPIDS -- Mayor George Heartwell and leaders from neighborhood and business organizations are bristling at comments from some Grand Rapids Board of Education members, who said people should move to the suburbs if they want to enroll their children outside the district.

And charter school leaders strongly dispute comments by one school board member who said "blatant racism" drives parents to seek out such schools.

Charter schools and school choice plans might take students -- and their state aid -- out of Grand Rapids Public Schools classrooms, but some leaders say these education options keep middle class families living in the city.

"I know the day will come that the Grand Rapids Public Schools will be the schools of choice for parents in the suburban districts," Heartwell said Tuesday. "But until then, I'm disturbed by some of the attitudes from these board members."

Heartwell said keeping families in the city is "critical" to the success of Grand Rapids.

"We can't afford to lose any more families to the suburbs," he said. "These families that could leave but decide to continue living in the city contribute to the tax base that helps support the city schools. And without that tax base, the schools will further deteriorate."

Heartwell's wife, Susan, is executive director of the Grand Rapids Student Advancement Foundation, which raises money to support the district.

The comments came at Monday's school board meeting as Superintendent Bernard Taylor discussed a recent session with charter school parents who live in the city and believe Taylor is making it difficult for them to transfer their children to suburban high schools.

Board Vice President Lisa Hinkel and member Arnie Smithalexander said parents do have school choice -- they are free to move to those suburban districts.

Hinkel said the parents also could pay tuition to a private or parochial school or lobby for-profit companies running charter schools to open a high school. Smithalexander said she believes the parents' actions are "blatant racism," and that the parents don't want to send their children to school with minority students, which make up about 75 percent of the city school district.

Board member Jim Rinck said Tuesday he thinks Hinkel and Smithalexander wanted to show support for their superintendent "and perhaps got a little too animated for their own good."

"You don't ever tell people you disagree with to leave the city," Rinck said. "I understand the frustrations on both sides. But I've always felt we get a bad rap from some of these people who clearly have never visited any of our high schools. They make it sound like the schools are crawling with gangs and violence when in fact that is not true."

But people working with businesses and with neighborhood groups said the choice plans and charter schools allow people to continue living in the city even if they, for whatever reason, don't like the city schools.

"We can't have people leaving the city for any reason," said Jeanne Englehart, president of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. "We have people who live by choice in Grand Rapids, and we want them to live here in the core city so we can be able to continue with the rejuvenation of our downtown."

Englehart said a strong central city is needed to attract and retain people to the entire region.

Neighborhood activists said they believe the city schools are improving, and people will be less likely to send their children to charter schools or use the choice plan as they see gains.

"We see the schools in our area in the best possible way, and that's why people should stay in Grand Rapids," said Jeff Winston, vice president of the Creston Neighborhood Association. "Then they can stay and vote off a couple ineffective school board members."

Charter school leaders said they don't believe racism prompts parents to seek their schools. A spokeswoman said about half of the students enrolled in National Heritage Academies schools are minorities.

Charter school parents, like others, want their children to receive a quality education in a safe environment, said Dan Quisenberry, president of the Michigan Association of Charter School Academies.

"The message is clear, and it has nothing to do with race," he said. "Provide a quality education and the people will come."

Send e-mail to the author: dmurray@grpress.com