Another GRPS Leader on Leave

Grand Rapids, MI — Grand Rapids Public Schools has placed a second administrator on administrative leave for the remainder of the current school year, marking another leadership change in recent weeks.

Superintendent Leadriane Roby released a letter to staff on Friday, March 27, announcing that Bridget Cheney, the district's chief area instructional leader for the southeast quadrant, has been placed on administrative leave until June.

Cheney 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.

No Details on Reason for Leave

Superintendent Roby did not establish a clear date that either woman would return to work. Roby released no details about why Cheney was placed on leave, stating only that it is a "personnel matter" that the district cannot comment further on.

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

It is not clear if there is any connection between Cheney and Mitchell's leaves. The district declined to comment on any relation between the two placements.

Cheney's Background

Cheney, a former elementary school teacher, was principal of GRPS' Congress Elementary beginning in 2010 before she became director of priority schools and principal leadership development in 2015. She was promoted by former GRPS Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal.

The following year, she was appointed executive director of early childhood, elementary and preK-8 schools, and in 2019 added the title of philanthropic liaison.

Cheney earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Aquinas College and her master's in educational leadership from Western Michigan University.

Ombudsperson to Step In

For the remainder of the school year, GRPS Ombudsperson Maleika Joubert Brown will step in to oversee the schools and programs that were under Cheney's leadership.

"We are grateful to have a dedicated and experienced leader ready to step in and provide stable guidance for our schools," Roby said.

Paid Leave Confirmed

GRPS confirmed Cheney's leave is paid. The district has not yet announced any details about when Cheney might return to her position.