Grand Rapids Public Schools Deputy Superintendent Faces Contract Non-Renewal After Staff Complaints Investigation
Two Grand Rapids Public Schools administrators removed following investigation into leadership practices and staff complaints
Two Administrators Removed as Grand Rapids Public Schools Addresses Leadership Issues
Grand Rapids, Mich. — A second administrator at Grand Rapids Public Schools has been placed on leave for the rest of the current school year, following recommendations that a deputy superintendent will not have their contract renewed.
In a letter to staff sent out on Friday, Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby announced Chief Area Instructional Leader of Southeast Quadrant Bridget Cheney was placed on administrative leave until June. The leave is part of a "personnel matter" that Dr. Roby did not detail in the letter.
This is the second administrator to be placed on leave that will last through the end of the school year. Dr. Brandy Lovelady Mitchell, the district's deputy superintendent of preschool through 12th grade learning and leadership, was removed from her active duties on March 12.
It is not clear if there is any connection between Cheney and Mitchell's leaves, according to the district.
Contract Non-Renewal Based on Staff Complaints
We have learned new information regarding the employment status of Grand Rapids Public Schools' deputy superintendent. Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby has recommended that the employment contract for Dr. Brandy Lovelady-Mitchell not be renewed beyond June 30.
The recommendation follows Mitchell being placed on leave in early March through the end of the school year. According to letters from Roby to the school board and Mitchell, the deputy superintendent of preschool through 12th grade learning and leadership is accused of creating a culture that devalued members of her staff.
Investigation Dates Back to 2024
A letter made available by the district on Wednesday revealed the issues date back to a 2024 investigation. The investigation found Mitchell's leadership style and staff interactions had a detrimental impact. It also determined her supervisory methods and management approach created a culture of devaluing employees.
Rather than terminating Dr. Mitchell at the time of the investigation, the district placed her on an improvement plan. The plan included training and regular check-ins with Dr. Roby.
Following the completion of the improvement plan, the district received further complaints, and Dr. Roby continued to have concerns regarding Dr. Mitchell.
School Board Meeting Looms
Dr. Mitchell will have an opportunity to meet with the school board later this month to discuss her employment.
The district did not provide additional details about the specific complaints or the timeline of events leading to these personnel decisions.
Broader Context
These personnel issues come at a time when Grand Rapids Public Schools continues to navigate challenges in its administration. The district has faced scrutiny in recent years over leadership decisions and organizational structure.
Dr. Roby, who has led the district as superintendent, has recommended the non-renewal of Dr. Mitchell's contract. The superintendent's office has not issued a detailed statement about the broader implications of these personnel decisions.
The school board will consider these matters at its upcoming meetings, with Dr. Mitchell scheduled to present her side of the story to board members.
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