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Board of Education Meeting Highlights

March 9, 2026: Regular Meeting

Agenda and Recording

Superintendent’s Report  

• Presentation of Expanded Virtual Program proposal by Dr. Daniel Hyliard (South Assistant Principal) and Moussa Hamka (Asst. Superintendent of Human Resources)

  • The objective is to expand access to quality education, increase graduation rates and student engagement, increase flexibility in learning, and create an alternative learning option for resident students currently not enrolled in GPPSS; 23 students have been identified as being enrolled in other virtual programs.

  • The purpose is to attract more students to address declining enrollment and revenue loss.

  • Phase 1 goal is to enroll 20–30 rising 9th through 12th grade students, with six classes structured in an online block format. Michigan Virtual will be used for curriculum offerings. There will be GPEA mentor support.

Source: Hyliard/Hamka presentation

• Executive Director of Student Services Lillie Loder reported on Special Education Transition Services’ microenterprise projects that help provide employability and soft skills for students’ success in the workforce. Note: You can learn more about the program, initiatives, and resources in the Transition Trender.

Stakeholder Engagement Report

• North’s senior class president, Alejandro D., highlighted the school’s recent amazing achievements:

  ⭐ Girls' hockey team advanced to state semi-finals;

  ⭐ Boys’ swim team qualified for the state meet;

  ⭐ Five DECA members advanced to the International Career Development Conference; and the

  ⭐ Norsemen production of Clue received rave reviews.

Agenda Action Items

• After discussion, Dr. Roy Bishop, Jr. was unanimously appointed as the next Superintendent of GPPSS. Dr. Bishop shared his vision for the district, including his commitment to always support students first;"I stand for students and not sides. No matter the topic, no matter the challenge, our focus must always remain on the young people we serve."

  
  

• The following items were also approved unanimously:

  • February regular and closed meetings minutes;

  • HR report with special recognition for Judy Gaffrey, Pierce Assistant Principal, retiring after 21 years of service to GPPSS; and the

  • Architecture firm bid was approved.

    
    

• With a 5-2 vote (Trustees Cotton and Jeup opposing), the bond procedures amendment passed.

  
  

March 23, 2026: Regular Meeting

Agenda and Recording

Superintendent’s  Report

• Richard Elementary students shared about the things that make their school special: fun assemblies, STEM activities, field trips to Lansing, and teachers who make learning fun. Principal Dr. John Kernan, shared a video highlighting activities, events, and academic enrichment that makes Richard awesome!

  
  

• Elementary math committee members, Principal Katy Vernier and Math COSA Courtney Dystrka, presented about the proposed new math curriculum for Y5-5th grade levels. The curriculum, Illustrative Mathematics, has been reviewed and studied since Spring 2024.The district was awarded a $103,296 23H grant through Wayne RESA to cover costs of the pilot materials.

  • All 5th grade math teachers were able to pilot for the entire year; and a special education teacher also spoke in strong support for the curriculum.

  • Dr. Delgado requested approval for Year 1 costs of  $307,291 after offsets by grant support.

    
    

• Middle School Social Studies committee members Brownell Principal Rodger Hunwick and Parcells Social Studies Department Chair Alexis Lecznar presented about the proposed Teachers’ Curriculum Institute (TCI). The social studies review started in November 2023, after piloting a different curriculum, the TCI pilot was launched in May 2024. TCI was selected because it has a physical book and will focus on reading, writing, and analyzing on paper, including DBQs (Document Based Questions).

  
  

• Financial report by CFO Andrea Agrusa: the district remains on track with the amended budget with no surprises. State and federal revenue is incoming. There are no concerns at this time.

  
  

• South’s senior class treasurer, Betsy R., shared accomplishments and achievements of her peers at South, including:

  ⭐ Girls’ basketball team won district champions;

  ⭐ Boys’ Swim and Dive won 28th straight MAC Red Conference Championship; and

  ⭐ Girls’ Robotics team, the Botmasterz, finished second at Wayne State

  University at their first competition of the season.

  
  

• GP Special Education Parent Advisory Committee members Dr. Jill Wurm and Dima Hausser reported that there were 65 attendees at its first meeting on March 4th. At the first meeting, attendees shared concerns about:

  • IEPs being downgraded to 504s and expiring;

  • Lack of paraprofessional support; and

  • Appropriate student placement and process for that placement.

    
    

The next meeting is April 21st at Barnes.

Agenda Action Items

• The following items were approved with a 6-0 vote (Trustee St. John absent) by consent:

  • Approval of 80/20 Resolution

  • Approval of South Field Trip-France

  • Approval of 2026 Bond Program - Construction Manager Services

  • Approval of GP South Turf Replacement Project (Labor)

  • Approval of GP North Fire Alarm Project

  • Approval of 2026 Steps Replacement Project

  • Approval of Pierce Obstacle Course Project

    
    

• March 9th Meeting minutes approved after discussion:

  • Trustee Worden noted that during the March 9th meeting Trustee Cotton requested a closed session to discuss Dr. Bishop’s superintendent contract following his appointment. The board unanimously agreed to the closed meeting.  At the March 23rd scheduled closed session, Trustee Cotton objected to the closed session.

  • Trustee Cotton stated that “I did want to go into closed session. But then we had a contract given to us that I believe did not cover everything. And then I have serious concerns with going forward with Mr. John Gierack who I believe you had target Dr. Tuttle with a memorandum and having a lawyer that would target one superintendent, I did not believe we should have help with the contract of another possible superintendent.”

    
    

• Approval of Expanded Virtual Program passed with a 6-0 vote. Allows administration to launch Phase 1 of Michigan Virtual Program, which seeks to recapture 20-30 resident students who are enrolled in other virtual programs. Details about specifics of diploma designation and club participation will be decided by the board at a later date.

  
  

• Approval of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy passed with a 4-2 vote (Trustees Cotton and Jeup opposing). Dr. Bishop noted that teachers and students provided input and that robust conversations will continue as schools grapple with how to use and incorporate AI safely and responsibly. The policy will be reviewed annually.

  
  

• Approval of Revised Board Policy 6.04 (Grants) passed with a 4-2 vote after discussion and objections by Trustees Jeup and Cotton.

  
  

• Approval of Revised Board Policy 8.05 (Gifts, Bequests, and Donations) passed with 4-2 vote after discussion and objections by Trustees Jeup and Cotton with response by President Derringer.

March 23, 2026: Closed Sessions

• The first closed session agenda item pertained to collective bargaining agreements - no discussion or votes were taken before adjournment.

  
  

• The second closed session agenda item pertained to negotiation of Dr. Bishop’s superintendent contract. Item was tabled when the board failed to agree to close the session to discuss the matter. Watch recording here.

  
  

Committee Corner

March 4, 2026: Facilities Committee

Agenda and meeting recording

• Discussion of bond program and projects with recommendation for full board consideration.

  
  

  March 4, 2026: Policy Committee

Agenda and meeting recording

• Discussion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy with recommendation for full board consideration;

• Discussion of grants and gifts policies with recommendation for full board consideration; and

• Discussion of open/closed lunch policy and procedures at the high schools, which will be considered at a later date by the board.

  
  

Remarks on the Appointment of Dr. Roy Bishop, Jr. as Superintendent of Grosse Pointe Public Schools

By Ivery Toussant, Jr., Harper Woods City Council Representative, Guest Writer

On March 14th,1968, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood on the stage at Grosse Pointe South High School. He faced racial heckling and hostility, yet courageous residents of Grosse Pointe and Harper Woods made sure his voice was heard. They understood that history does not move forward on its own — people must push it.

Tonight, we stand in that same tradition of courage and moral clarity.

Tonight, we are making history again by supporting Dr. Roy Bishop as the next Superintendent of the Grosse Pointe Public School System.

This is a moment that will make our children proud — especially the children of our multiracial families. There are several diversity groups in the Pointes. This is a moment that breaks a long‑standing barrier in our community. And let me be absolutely clear: this is not a symbolic role, and it is not a secondary title. This is the top leadership position in our district.

And Dr. Bishop is ready.

Educationally, his qualifications are undeniable. He holds a doctorate. He has served as Deputy Superintendent. Through every transition, Dr. Bishop stayed committed. He learned from each administration. He deepened his understanding of how this district should be led. And he never lost sight of his mission: keeping GPPSS as one of the most prestigious and high‑quality school districts in Michigan and in the United States.

He has shown that he can work with what many would consider a tough audience. He has shown resilience, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to our children.

We cannot only hold onto the pain of the past. We must also celebrate the victories that move us forward. Our children — and yes, even those who oppose progress — are watching how we show up. Celebrating this moment sends a powerful message about who we are and what we value.

Many of us are proud of the courageous board members who recognized that Dr. Bishop is the right person to lead Grosse Pointe Public Schools — and who refused to be swayed by opposition. Their decision reflects integrity, vision, and a commitment to the future of our district.

So tonight, let us stand with confidence. Let us stand with pride. Let us stand with conviction in supporting Dr. Roy Bishop.

Dr. King would have recognized the significance of this moment.

And to continue elevating this milestone, I have arranged for Dr. Bishop to meet with Charlie Langton from Channel 2 News to discuss the future of educating our children. This is another step in ensuring that this achievement is seen, heard, and understood across our community.  This is part of my contribution to the success of Dr. Bishop, what is yours? 

Tonight, we honor our past. Tonight, we celebrate our progress. And tonight, we choose a future worthy of our children.

Women’s History Month

March is National Reading Month

• Adopting proven curriculum ($100 million)

• Investing early, PreK for All and family support ($214.1 million)

• Connecting children with extra help in classrooms and communities ($242.6 million)

  
  

Learn more:

https://tinyurl.com/literacyfunding

https://tinyurl.com/bk589pnt

During the last budget cycle, prolonged negotiations led to significant delays in passing the state budget. We will all need to hold our elected officials accountable to ensure a robust budget that puts students' learning needs first!

School Social Work Week

Join us Wednesday, April 15th for a screening of

Education Inc.-The Privatization of American Public Schools

- A powerful look at how the push for “school choice” is transforming American public education into a profit-driven system.

More information on the film can be found here.

Tickets are FREE. Get yours here.

Doors open 5:45 PM

Film Starts at 6:15 PM

Upcoming Board of Education Meetings

Click here for calendar

Regular board meetings will be held on Mondays at 7:00 pm unless otherwise noted. BoE committee meetings will also be on Monday evenings; times vary.

The Beacon team welcomes your thoughts and letters. All letters may be edited for content and length.

We reserve the right to refuse any letter.

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Alliance Mission Statement

We seek to partner with the Grosse Pointe and Harper Woods communities in the collective effort to create a safe and inclusive learning environment where students can achieve academic success, maximize potential, and become engaged citizens in a vibrant democracy.

Alliance for GP Public Schools is not affiliated, associated, authorized or endorsed by Grosse Pointe Public School System.

Alliance for GP Public Schools Board of Directors