Superintendent of Schools

Superintendent of Schools

Deadline: October 5, 2026

District/Organization: Grand Rapids Public Schools

Position/Type: Superintendent, full time

Salary: $250,000 - $300,000

Position Details

Lead. Inspire. Transform. Shape the Future of Grand Rapids Public Schools.

Grand Rapids Public Schools is seeking an exceptional, visionary, and student-centered leader to serve as its next Superintendent of Schools.

This is an extraordinary opportunity for an accomplished educational leader to join a vibrant school community and help shape the future of students, families, educators, and the greater Grand Rapids community. We are seeking a superintendent who is ready to lead with purpose, build meaningful relationships, champion student success, and inspire a culture of excellence, innovation, and opportunity.

The next superintendent will have the opportunity to build upon the strengths of Grand Rapids Public Schools while helping guide the district through its next chapter. We welcome candidates who bring a strong record of leadership, a deep commitment to public education, a collaborative spirit, and the courage to pursue meaningful and lasting progress for every student.

The Opportunity

Grand Rapids Public Schools is looking for a leader who will:

• Put students at the center of every decision and ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.
• Inspire and empower educators, staff, and school leaders.
• Build strong, authentic partnerships with students, families, staff, community members, and stakeholders.
• Lead with integrity, transparency, accountability, and a commitment to equity and excellence.
• Strengthen a culture of high expectations, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Bring a compelling vision for the future of public education and the leadership skills to turn that vision into action.
• Serve as a visible, trusted, and engaged leader within the district and the broader Grand Rapids community.

We are particularly interested in candidates who understand that exceptional school leadership is about more than managing a system-it is about inspiring people, creating opportunity, building trust, and ensuring that every student can see a successful future ahead of them.

Characteristics Desired in Our Superintendent

Listens to understand, builds consensus, and acts decisively.

Possesses strong communication and leadership skills, knowledge, and sensitivity required to respond to the opportunities and challenges presented by a diverse student body and community.

The ability to work effectively with community partners and policymakers.

Has a strong moral compass that is rooted in justice and equality.

Has experience recruiting and maintaining exceptional staff for the district and schools.

Experience with effective management that will benefit the long-term financial health of the district.

Is strongly committed to a scholar-centered philosophy in all decisions, in order to promote a healthy and safe learning environment.

Commitment to both academic and extracurricular programs.

Experience leading diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and commitment to working with all genders, races, and socio-economic groups.

Promotes a positive and professional environment that includes mutual trust and respect among faculty, staff, administrators, and Board.

Demonstrates a deep understanding of special education that meets the individualized needs of each student.

Has classroom experience in a K-12 setting.

To apply, please refer to the link at the bottom of this page to submit your application.

Candidates interested in this exceptional leadership opportunity are invited to submit a completed application that includes all of the following:

• Completed application
• Current résume
• Cover letter
• Letter(s) of recommendation from three (3) to four (4) professional references
• Any additional materials requested in the application process

Application Deadline: October 4, 2026, at 11:59 PM

Incomplete applications or applications received after the deadline may not be considered.

E-mail: Molly@rayassoc.com

Website: Link

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