Priorities

Grand Rapids families deserve a thriving school system that provides every student with the opportunity to succeed. We owe it to students that we ensure they are career- and college-ready when they graduate from GRPS. We must adequately, wisely, and equitably invest in our teachers and academic programs to ensure all our students in all our schools receive the quality education they deserve.

Students, educators, and parents rightly expect school board members who listen to them and fiercely advocate for what is best for our community. I will listen to every voice, ask the tough questions, and work collaboratively with everyone to solve our challenges.

Every challenge presents an opportunity. We can seize these opportunities in GRPS to improve learning outcomes, respect our educators, create a culture of responsibility and collaboration, and strengthen our entire community.

Education is our most important public good–communities only thrive when we have a strong school system. We must make sure all our students have safe and reliable transportation, healthy and quality breakfast and lunch, rigorous academic programs and robust extracurricular programs, and fully staffed schools of talented educators.

Do you have a story to share? I would love to hear it! ⇨

Promote a culture of collaboration, transparency, and accountability across all levels of decision making in the district.
Invest in attracting and retaining teachers, special education professionals, and support staff including school counselors, social workers, therapists, paraprofessionals, as well as custodians, cafeteria staff, and transportation drivers.
Work towards eliminating disparities in academic and extracurricular offerings across all schools in the district--emphasizing athletics, arts, and special education programing.
Increase student achievement through an emphasis on career- and college-readiness after graduation.
Ensure our schools are safe, gun-free, healthy, and welcoming environments for all students.
Strengthen restorative justice discipline practices across all schools and classrooms.
Provide students with nutritious and delicious breakfasts and lunches at no cost to families.
Create a transportation system that is reliable, timely, and safe for all students.

Meet Richard

I grew up in West Michigan, the proud product of public schools and a supportive community. When I was in first grade, my teachers noticed my difficulty reading and speaking. Thanks to a loving mom and great teachers, I was placed in special reading and speech therapy classes to get the help I needed to thrive and become the first person in my family to graduate from college.

I earned my bachelor’s degree at Oakland University, where I was active in the Center for Multicultural Initiatives as a mentor to other first-generation students. I served in the Peace Corps as a Teacher Trainer in The Gambia, working in a kindergarten class alongside incredible local parents and teachers.

I've been committed to education and public service all my life. I have spent my career helping elect more people who care about children, support teachers, and understand the value of good public education. I have also worked in the Michigan Legislature, tackling challenges in our criminal justice system and helping to write part of Michigan's Clean Energy legislation to protect kids' health and ensure future generations are not burdened by pollution.

I love Grand Rapids–it’s where my parents and grandparents are from–it’s where I want to start and grow my family. It’s important to me that when I have children they have a great public school in their own neighborhood.

I am running for the Grand Rapids Public School Board of Education because I believe we are responsible for giving every young person the opportunity to succeed. Through my life experience, I know good public schools are one of the best ways to do that. I want to be a voice for parents, educators, and students in both how we create a better education system and make sure our schools are working for our students today. Young people only go through school one time–we only have one chance to give them the best education possible.

View Richard's Financial Disclosure Here ⇨