Deputy Superintendent Placed on Leave, Contract Not Recommended for Renewal

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby has recommended that the district not renew the contract of Deputy Superintendent Dr. Brandy Lovelady Mitchell following her administrative leave. The decision comes after a 2024 investigation found concerns about Mitchell's leadership style and management approach.

Investigation Findings Led to Improvement Plan

In a letter to staff sent on March 12, Superintendent Roby announced that Mitchell was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the next School Board meeting. The leave is part of a "personnel matter" that the district did not detail in the initial announcement.

Roby wrote to the School Board that a 2024 investigation into Mitchell's leadership determined that her "leadership style and interaction with staff had a detrimental impact" and that her "supervisory methods and approach to management created a culture of devaluing members of her staff."

Rather than immediate termination, the district initially placed Mitchell on an improvement plan. The plan consisted of leadership training, meetings with external consultants, coaching, and regular check-ins.

Improvement Plan Unsuccessful

Despite the comprehensive improvement plan, additional complaints emerged regarding Mitchell's supervision of departments under her direct supervision and other departments within GRPS.

"The improvement plan has been unsuccessful. As such, it is my decision to recommend non-renewal," Roby wrote in a letter to the board of education.

Mitchell's contract was set to expire on June 30, and Roby noted she "continue[d] to have concerns regarding her leadership and management style."

Administrative Leave Until June

In a separate letter to staff sent on March 27, Superintendent Roby announced that Chief Area Instructional Leader Bridget Cheney had also been placed on administrative leave until June. The district cited a "personnel matter" without elaborating on the specific circumstances.

Roby did not establish a clear date for when either administrator would return to work, and it is not clear if there is any connection between the two leaves.

Upcoming Board Meeting

Mitchell will have the opportunity to meet with the School Board to discuss Roby's recommendation. The Board of Education meeting has been moved from April 13 to April 27.

The board will have to approve Roby's recommendation not to renew Mitchell's contract at the next meeting.

Mitchell's Background

Mitchell has a long career in education, having started as a school counselor and serving as a guidance classroom teacher, consultant, and principal before becoming deputy superintendent.

She was honored with a Scholar of Excellence award and Educator to Watch award from Eastern Michigan University. Mitchell also serves on the Michigan Advisory Committee of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and was elected to the Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees in 2020.

Superintendent's Concerns Cited

In her letter to staff, Roby explained the reasoning behind the administrative leave: "I am concerned about [Mitchell's] ability as a Deputy Superintendent, and I received grievances from multiple departments."

The chief area instructional leaders were tasked with assuming Mitchell's roles while she was on leave, according to the superintendent's letter.

"Our district is committed to transparency, which is why we are sharing this information promptly with our staff. Because this is a personnel matter, the district cannot comment further on the circumstances surrounding her leave," Roby said.

Next Steps

The School Board will vote on Roby's recommendation at the April 27 meeting. Mitchell has the opportunity to request a closed session due to the nature of the meeting.

The district has reached out to Mitchell and Roby for additional comment on the matter.

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

— Dr. Leadriane Roby, Superintendent, Grand Rapids Public Schools

Our district is committed to transparency, which is why we are sharing this information promptly with our staff.

— Dr. Leadriane Roby, Superintendent, Grand Rapids Public Schools

Sources

• Second administrator at Grand Rapids Public Schools put on leave
• Another GRPS leader placed on administrative leave for rest of school year
• 'Detrimental impact': GRPS superintendent moves to oust administrator
• Smiling Midwest school district boss set to be fired after triggering huge scandal over her treatment of staff
• GRPS Superintendent recommends non-renewal of administrator's contract