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Grand Rapids Public Schools - 31 Qualities Survey (English)
QUALITIES DESIRED IN THE NEW SUPERINTENDENT
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1.
Which group do you represent? (Please select only one)
(Required.)
District Staff
Parent/Caregiver
Scholar
Non-Parent Community Member
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2.
This survey will be available until 5:00 p.m. EST on September 18, 2026.
INSTRUCTIONS: Please read each of the following 31 qualities and mark 10 characteristics you believe are most important to your organization in the selection of a candidate. You do not need to prioritize your selection; simply place a check mark next to the characteristics which you feel are most important.
PLEASE SELECT ONLY 10
(Required.)
1. Is willing to listen to input, and is a decision maker.
2. Possesses the leadership skills, knowledge and sensitivity required to respond to the opportunities and challenges presented by a diverse student body and community.
3. Is able to work with legislators on key topics and can lead an organization throughout the legislative process.
4. Possesses an earned Ed.D. or Ph.D. degree.
5. Has a strong moral compass that is rooted in justice and equality.
6. Is a strong communicator in speaking, listening and writing.
7. Demonstrates commitment to community visibility and is actively engaged in a broad range of community groups and organizations.
8. Has experience recruiting and maintaining exceptional staff for the district and schools.
9. Is able to build consensus and commitment among individuals and groups.
10. Has experience working with employee representative groups/unions.
11. Is able to delegate and oversee the work of staff (i.e. leading by example) and appropriately maintain accountability.
12. Has experience with effective management and planning practices that will benefit the long-term financial health of the district.
13. Possesses excellent interpersonal skills and can present a positive image of the district.
14. Is a non-traditional or “hybrid candidate” with business/private sector background in addition to an educational career.
15. Is strongly committed to a “scholar centered” philosophy in all decisions.
16. Is capable of developing both short and long-range district goals.
17. Can develop and communicate a vision of quality education for the future to the board, staff and community.
18. Has experience in the selection and implementation of educational priorities consistent with the interests and needs of scholars, staff, board and community.
19. Is committed to the importance of both the academic and extracurricular programs.
20. Promotes positive and inclusive scholar behavior conducive to a healthy and safe learning environment.
21. Provides leadership in the planning, implementation, and assessment of relevant professional development for all staff members.
22. Is comfortable leading innovation and reform efforts.
23. Is able to lead district diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
24. Has the ability to develop and maintain a reciprocal relationship between the business community and the school district.
25. Possesses the ability to enhance scholar performance, especially in identifying and closing or narrowing the gaps in scholar achievement and opportunity.
26. Makes recommendations and data-driven decisions.
27. Has knowledge of emerging research and best practice in the area of curriculum/instructional design and practice.
28. Promotes a positive and professional environment that includes mutual trust and respect among faculty, staff, administrators and Board.
29. Commitment to and experience working with all genders, races, and socio-economic groups.
30. Demonstrates a deep understanding of special education that meets the individualized needs of each scholar.
31. Has classroom experience in a K-12 setting.
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3.
Please list your zip code
(Required.)
4.
OPTIONAL: Which race/ethnicity best describes you? (Please choose only one.)
American Indian or Alaskan Native
Asian / Pacific Islander
Black or African American
Hispanic
White / Caucasian
Multiple ethnicity / Other (please specify)
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5.
Please select your assigned school or the school(s) that you or your children attend. Please select all that apply.
(Required.)
Aberdeen Academy
Blandford School
Brookside Elementary
Buchanan Elementary
Burton Elementary
Burton Middle
CA Frost Elementary
CA Frost Middle High
Campus Elementary
Center for Economicology
Cesar Chavez Elementary
City High Middle
Coit Creative Arts Academy
Congress Elementary
Dickinson Academy
Gerald R. Ford Academic Center
Grand Rapids Learning Center
Grand Rapids Montessori Academy
Grand Rapids Montessori Middle High
Grand Rapids Public Museum Middle
Grand Rapids Public Museum High
Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy
Harrison Park Academy
Innovation Central Middle School
Innovation Central High School
Kent Hills Elementary
Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Academy
Mulick Park Elementary
North Park Montessori
Ottawa Hills Middle School
Ottawa Hills High School
Palmer Elementary
Ridgemoor Park Montessori
Shawmut Hills Academy
Sherwood Park Global Studies Academy
Sibley Elementary
Southeast Career Pathways
Southwest Elementary Academia Bilingue
Southwest Middle High Academia Bilingue
Union High School
Westwood Middle School
Zoo School
None of the above
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6.
What would you like prospective candidates to know about your district and community? (For example, what is working or not working in GRPS, or what new ideas should the superintendent implement?)
(Required.)
