Aarie Wade for GRPS

08/28/2026

Had a great time supporting Union highschool and GR Ottawa Hills High School tonight at the cross town throw down!

I loved seeing community out supporting both teams! Let's keep this energy up!!!

08/25/2026

10 WEEKS LEFT — and it’s time to hit the pavement! 💚💙
We’re rolling up our sleeves and getting to work across the Northwest Side. Every door knocked, every conversation, and every connection matters.

Join Team Aarie for canvassing as we work to re-elect Aarie Wade for GRPS School Board.

I can NOT do this without your support! Let's Lead, for EVERY child, TOGETHER!

Sign up to volunteer here:
https://wade4grps.com/events/

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08/24/2026

Did you know I serve on the Board of Kent School Services Network (KSSN)?

For more than five years, I’ve had the honor of serving on the board of one of our school communities’ most valuable partners.

Last week, I had the opportunity to celebrate the start of a new school year and spend time getting to know some of the incredible staff who are making a major impact in schools across several districts.

A HUGE thank you to everyone who stands in the gap every single day for our children, teachers, and families. Your work matters, and our school communities are stronger because of you.

Wishing the entire KSSN team—and all of our school communities—an amazing school year! ❤️📚

08/20/2026

Yesterday was such an exciting and inspiring day! 💙✨

Democratic candidate for Michigan Governor Jocelyn Benson announced Winnie Brinks as her running mate and Lieutenant Governor—and then they made their way over to Baxter Community Center for a visit and tour!

What an incredible opportunity to congratulate Winnie, welcome them both to Baxter, and meet this powerhouse collaboration. And seriously… what better day to be wearing my Rockstar Woman shirt?! 💪🏾🌟

As I continue my campaign for reelection to the GRPS Board of Education, this was such an inspiring moment. Seeing strong women step up to lead, serve, and make a difference in our communities is a powerful reminder of why representation and public service matter.

I’m grateful for moments like these that remind me to keep showing up, keep serving, and keep pushing forward. ❤️

08/20/2026

Excited to welcome new infant, toddler and preschool families!!!!

Our Child Development Center enrollment is open! We have part-time and full-time slots available for ages 8 weeks- 4 years! Sign your child up today: https://wearebaxter.org/education/child-development-center/

08/18/2026

Join Our Team!

https://wearebaxter.org/employment-opportunities/

08/05/2026

Gratitude 🫶🏾

To Our Grand Rapids Community,

On behalf of Grand Rapids Public Schools, thank you!

Your support of the GRPS Sinking Fund is an investment in every scholar who walks through our doors. We are deeply grateful for the confidence you have placed in our district and our future.

This vote reflects our community's belief that every child deserves to learn in schools that are warm, safe, dry, and connected. Because of your support, we will have a dedicated funding source to make essential repairs, improve school safety, replace aging technology for scholars and staff, and maintain our facilities. This funding source helps to preserve General Fund dollars for what matters most: our scholars, educators, and the programs that support teaching and learning.

This victory belongs to our entire community. Thank you to every voter who participated in this election.

We recognize that every tax dollar entrusted to us carries a responsibility. We remain committed to using these funds wisely and transparently. We will continue to provide regular updates on how these investments are improving our schools and creating better learning environments for every scholar.

Together, we are building stronger schools, stronger neighborhoods, and a stronger Grand Rapids.

With gratitude,

Leadriane Roby, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Grand Rapids Public Schools

08/04/2026

Vote YES for GRPS!

Dear Grand Rapids voters,

I'm voting YES on the GRPS sinking fund proposal on August 4th, and I hope you'll join me.

This millage means safer buildings, updated technology, and well-maintained schools for our kids and our staff. By way of repaired roofs, reliable HVAC, updated plumbing, updated technology and stronger school security. It's a direct investment in the spaces where our children learn every single day!

I also want to speak to some of the conversation I've seen in the community lately, because I think a few concerns are getting bundled together in a way that's worth untangling.

A sinking fund is a legally restricted tax. By law, it can *only* be spent on building infrastructure - facilities, technology, and safety. It cannot be spent on salaries, administrative pay, or staffing. So if your hesitation comes from frustration about teacher pay or leadership decisions, I hear you, and those are fair things to care about!, but this millage isn't where that gets resolved. It's a separate bucket entirely, and it can't legally be redirected even if we wanted it to be.

Right now, when a roof needs replacing or an HVAC system fails, that cost typically comes out of the district's *general fund*. The General Fund is the same fund that covers salaries and bargaining agreements. A dedicated sinking fund takes those facility costs off of the General fund's plate, which creates more room for the district to prioritize compensation in future negotiations. A well-funded sinking fund and stronger teacher pay aren't competing goals! In fact, the first can actually make the second more achievable.

A few more facts worth noting:

🏫 a sinking fund doesn't create debt or interest. it's pay-as-you-go

🏫 Every dollar is publicly reported and independently audited by the state each year

🏫 GRPS currently ranks 24th out of 27 Kent County districts in total millage debt rate. most neighboring districts already ask more of their taxpayers than we do

Our children and staff are in these buildings every day. They deserve schools that are safe, functional, and well-equipped. I hope you'll join me in voting YES on August 4th

More details can be found here:
https://grpsmillage.com

With gratitude for this community,

Amber

08/04/2026

Good Morning!

Today we go to the polls! Please join me in voting YES to the GRPS sinking fund

Providing dedicated funding source for essential building repairs, enhanced safety and security, and technology replacement.

This opens up more money in our general fund for teaching and learning! 💙🧡 YES to GRPS!

08/02/2026