It's funny how perception can shape reality.  Pounding it fiercely into a hard mold of convenience, even if the reality it shapes is a mere contrivance or even a blatant falsehood. Recently, I attended a business/networking meeting of the Women's Council of Realtors of Grand Rapids, Michigan.  The speaker for the event was Dr. Bernard Taylor, the Grand Rapids School District Superintendent.  Dr. Taylor, an engaging and interesting speaker gave a speech that totally rocked the core of what many people, including real estate agents, think about the Grand Rapids public schools.

Dr. Bernard Taylor was recently appointed as Superintendent of  the Grand Rapids Public Schools in July off 2006.  Having previously served as the Superintendent in Kansas City Missouri, his perspective on the dynamics in educational offerings for students in the Grand Rapids area was revealing. 

Dr. Taylor opened his presentation by sharing how impressed he was about the level of support for education in Grand Rapids, noting a recent bond issue which has allowed 10 Grand Rapids area schools to be refurbished or renovated.  He noted that his previous district  in Kansas, Missouri had not passed a bond issue like this in 40 years!  He also talked about the Un-Funded Mandates that are a part of budget for the school system.  The largest being 13 million dollars for Special Needs situations for which the district receives no reimbursement but remains committed to supporting and maintaining. 

Many of the attendees were surprised that the Grand Rapids school system faces some unique challenges in educating students for whom English is a second language even as late as the high school level and sponsors programs to educate them at their grade level while learning English.  Additionally, the Grand Rapids School system supports specialized academies like the Montesorri Program & the Coit Creative Arts Academy. 

The audience was intensely engaged as Dr. Taylor spoke.  In 30 minutes he succeeded in rapidly dismantling stereotypes and perceptions that, as he stated , "had more to do with the people who were served by the district than with the reality of what is really going on".  As Grand Rapids has increased in diversity, there has been a proliferation of a variety of models available to parents for the education of their children.  These have included private schools and charter schools.  These options have given parents many options.

One of the unanticipated results of the expanded choice in education has been that classrooms have become increasingly segregated in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  In one block of Grand Rapids which houses 4 schools, the parochial schools are mainly white and the public schools heavily populated by minorities. In a world that is becoming more globally interconnected on a daily basis, students are short changed in a vital component of the educational process when they do not have the opportunity to interact and learn from individuals from different backgrounds. 

Dr. Taylor concluded by noting that in spite of  these significant challenges, the people of Grand Rapids, Michigan remain committed to providing a quality education for ALL children.  They have put their money to work through passing the bond issue to improve their schools even as state funding for education has decreased significantly.  For the residents of Grand Rapids, Michigan, having a leader who exudes energy, optimism and hope about the community and what is possible, is giving Grand Rapids a unique opportunity to transform old perceptions to create a bright New Reality.

Here are some highlights from the talk:

The Grand Rapids Public School serves approximately 22,000 pre-school through adult education students

It is Michigan's 3rd largest School District

100% of Staff members meet highly qualified requirements (HQ)

All Elementary Schools meet Adequate Yearly Progress Standards

All K-8/Middle Schools showed gains in READ 180

ACT Test average is 20, despite the fact that the test is being administered for the first time to many students for whom English is not the first language.

Strong neighborhood schools, Comprehensive Special Education Services, Extensive Second Language Programs

Successful completion of Phase II of bond construction plan on time and UNDER Budget parameters for 10 schools in the district.  Effort involved Local Contractors, Architects and Engineers and was a model of a Successful Diversity Initiative!