15 Candidates Compete for 5 Seats in 2026 Grand Rapids School Board Race

Grand Rapids Public Schools Board Election: A Closer Look at the 2026 Race

With a crowded field of 15 candidates vying for five available seats, the 2026 election for the Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education is shaping up to be a significant event. The stakes are high as the district navigates pressing issues, while incumbent Erika VanDyke runs unopposed for a partial term.

The Grand Rapids Public Schools district reports that it serves approximately 14,000 students hailing from over 80 countries and speaking more than 70 different languages. This non-partisan race comes at a time when the district is under intense scrutiny regarding teacher pay, school property sales, and a lack of cohesion among board members.

As Election Day approaches on November 3, the candidates’ positions on these critical issues are under the spotlight.

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Since 2023, there has been a concerted effort by parents and students to advocate for increased community engagement. Some stakeholders feel the district approaches them in a “transactional” manner, as highlighted in a 2023 report commissioned by GRPS.

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The district faces significant challenges in recruiting and retaining educators. Amid resignations from a teacher and a principal in 2025 due to inadequate resources and low salaries, the district has made strides, achieving a 95% rate of filled teaching positions by September 2026, according to their dashboard.

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Declining enrollment is another pressing issue, with student numbers dropping nearly 30% since 2010. This has led to underutilized facilities operating at half capacity and the closure of at least seven schools, with three more closures anticipated by 2028.

Despite these challenges, Grand Rapids Public Schools offers a diverse range of educational options, including neighborhood schools and 17 theme schools that focus on specialized subjects like art and environmental science. These theme schools are open to students regardless of their residential location.