Community Engagement
For Grand Rapids Area Schools, community engagement is the process by which a school district actively involves district stakeholders—families, staff, students, residents, and local partners—in authentic listening and learning, meaningful dialogue, and input-gathering that helps shape the future of our schools.
Our Desired Outcomes:
- Build public understanding, confidence, and trust through increased transparency.
- Provide an opportunity for community voices to be heard.
- Gain clarity on what matters most.
- Clarify the level of support for additional local funding vs. sustaining additional budget reductions and program cuts.
YOU Can Help Shape Grand Rapids Area School
We're launching a year of conversation that puts YOU at the center. Below are ways community members can participate or have already participated in the process.
Community Survey
Your Voice Matters. Our October survey drew 800+ responses from across the district—parents, grandparents, business owners, graduates, and neighbors.
Survey summary
The Grand Rapids Area Schools (GRAS) survey shows strong community engagement, with 70% of respondents rating education quality as good or excellent and widespread appreciation for extracurricular programs. Many residents seek clearer information about budget challenges and funding, and there are opportunities to improve trust levels through enhanced digital outreach, transparent financial planning, and expanded education initiatives.
FORWARD Community Advisory Committee
Approximately 50 community members, with a little over half being district staff and parents of current students, submitted applications and were accepted to the FORWARD Community Advisory Committee. Members will dig into district data, explore options, and help recommend our path forward. The group will take an honest look at our realities: finances, systems, opportunities, and what all kids need. We'll tackle practical questions and big dreams: How do we adapt as AI reshapes learning and tomorrow's jobs look nothing like yesterday's? What's both possible and essential for our district's future?
FORWARD Meetings
Meetings typically run from 6:00 or 6:30 to 8:00 pm at the District Educational Services Center - 650 7th Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MN 55744 (the old Southwest Elementary School).
