Deputy Superintendent Facing Contract Non-Renewal

Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby has recommended that the employment contract for Dr. Brandy Lovelady-Mitchell not be renewed beyond June 30, according to letters obtained by local news outlets.

The recommendation comes after Dr. Lovelady-Mitchell was placed on administrative leave in early March through the end of the school year. According to internal district letters, the deputy superintendent of preschool through 12th grade learning and leadership is accused of creating a culture that devalued members of her staff.

Investigation Findings and Improvement Plan

A letter made available by the district reveals the issues date back to a 2024 investigation. The investigation found Dr. Lovelady-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. Lovelady-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, along with leadership training, mentoring with outside consultants, coaching and regular check-ins.

Following the completion of the improvement plan, the district received further complaints, and Dr. Roby continued to have concerns regarding Dr. Lovelady-Mitchell.

Superintendent's Decision

In a letter to the GRPS School Board, the GRPS Superintendent wrote:

After Dr. Lovelady Mitchell completes her administrative leave, the GRPS Superintendent said she recommended to the school board not to renew her contract. Citing years of concerns over management style and a "culture of devaluing members of her staff."

Dr. Roby wrote to the board of education:

The improvement plan has been unsuccessful. As such, is my decision to recommend non-renewal.

The deputy superintendent served as Deputy Superintendent of Preschool–12 Learning & Leadership before she was put on administrative leave last month.

Board Meeting Scheduled

Dr. Lovelady-Mitchell will have an opportunity to meet with the school board later this month to discuss her employment. The board meeting item has been moved from April 13 to April 27.

Second Administrator Also Placed on Leave

This story comes amid additional administrative upheaval at GRPS. A second member of the administration team has been put on leave for the rest of the current school year.

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.

Cheney is the second administrator to be placed on a leave that will last through the end of the school year. Dr. Brandy Lovelady Mitchell was removed from her active duties on March 12.

It is not clear if there is any connection between Cheney and Mitchell's leaves. In both cases, Dr. Roby did not establish a clear date that either woman would return to work.

What Happens Next

The school board will need to make a final decision on Dr. Lovelady-Mitchell's employment status at their April 27 meeting. The board may also need to address the situation with Bridget Cheney once her leave ends.

This situation represents significant leadership changes at one of Kent County's largest school districts, with multiple high-level administrators facing scrutiny and potential departure from their positions.