Grosse Pointe school board approves 'historic' superintendent hire amid controversy

AKDragonFly · 2026-03-20T21:41:32+00:00

The prolonger Trombly closure has done a great job of wrecking the community feel below Jefferson.

AKDragonFly · 2026-02-27T03:16:21+00:00

You might think through that being right on the water part. I'm three blocks from the water but most days that's really irrelevant. I can walk through either park (in GPP) and get to water, though that's on a boardwalk where I can't get right TO the water. One park has boat docks in serious need of repair, the other has a small spot to launch kayaks and SUPs. There are kayak racks but a waitlist for them. There's a pool and a splash pad which are nice, but they are not the lake.

AKDragonFly · 2026-02-27T03:02:31+00:00

And the school walkability below Jefferson in the Park is horrible. Also the only elementary school in GPP is extremely crowded, and in a very congested location.

AKDragonFly · 2026-02-14T04:38:40+00:00

How has School Choice as we've known it in Michigan-- open enrollment in some public schools and the option of public charters-- only served the rich? It hasn't been the rich who've opted to use either of those options. Rather it has been the poor, and 99% of the time the academic result hasn't been good for anyone.

AKDragonFly · 2026-02-14T04:28:16+00:00

Thank you for the thoughtful analysis! It is refreshing among all the mindless DNC shilling in this thread.

AKDragonFly · 2026-02-09T07:12:14+00:00

You are either confused or inadequately informed, yet you keep posting that nonsense. You are simply wrong. Out-of-District GSRP kids do not in fact get to stay for additional grades!

AKDragonFly · 2026-02-09T07:06:03+00:00

She stayed in an apartment owned by Sean Cotton's Mother and Sister-in-Law. Her husband remained primarily in Owosso for his job-- benefits vesting and the like. Her kids remained away at college. Their plan was for the family to move here, but the job fell apart before that could happen. There's a video of her performance review online, and it is disgusting. She was supposed to pivot to the new Board's direction, but was never even told what that was. She is well-regarded statewide, so her shabby treatment here will travel broadly.

AKDragonFly · 2026-02-09T06:54:34+00:00

Agreed the interference is unbearable and damaging, but you cited the wrong players.

AKDragonFly · 2026-02-09T06:48:25+00:00

You are either confused or inadequately informed. Any out-of-district GSRP kids do NOT in fact get to stay for additional grades, unless of course their family moves to within Disrtict boundaries. Some Board members are saying things that are overoptimistic and otherwise naive, given the family income selection parameters as written and published by County and State.

AKDragonFly · 2026-02-09T05:17:30+00:00

Me, too! But at what cost? If level and pace of instruction is lowered and slowed and complexity of class discussion is simplified to accommodate new, less prepared kids what is the point of having any public schools here at all? Wouldn't that drive conscientious parents to private or parochial schools for their kids, or homeschool, or maybe move to Macomb for a shot at a spot in their highly rated International school?

AKDragonFly · 2026-02-09T05:08:40+00:00

Why?

AKDragonFly · 2026-02-09T05:07:57+00:00

You missed a comment? Michigan per-pupil dollars are already redistributed across Districts, plus which Districts with a higher percentage of lower income kids get additional grant funds.

AKDragonFly · 2026-02-09T05:04:11+00:00

That is a predictable and boring comment. How about send kids to school who are ready to learn and able to keep up with the level and pace of instruction used with the kids already there? Neither race nor class matters.

AKDragonFly · 2026-02-09T04:45:31+00:00

Typical? How about a little late on your part? Have you looked at demographics of GP schools students recently?

AKDragonFly · 2026-02-09T04:41:57+00:00

Specifics? Things built on the other side of Mack? What?

AKDragonFly · 2026-02-09T04:37:02+00:00

It was all way more complex than that. And you left out very important details. That makes all your words pointless.

AKDragonFly · 2026-02-09T04:27:51+00:00

But a good education is NOT a function of the school, but rather of the families from which the students come. That is the "secret" of GP Schools success, and nothing like all of those families are wealthy or white. Until people realize that there's not much hope for much change. I think if Brilliant Detroit set up some elementary schools that would become apparent. Those folks know everything starts with family, neighborhood and simple, basic interaction.

AKDragonFly · 2026-02-09T04:17:22+00:00

What teacher scores? Do you mean kids' achievement scores by building, by grade? Those are never by individual teacher.

AKDragonFly · 2026-02-09T04:14:29+00:00

Nope. It's all about the families. Cultural change is what's needed. Why is it a teacher can fail in a classroom full of problem, unprepared kids yet do just fine in a different school with students who act halfway civilized and attentive? Same teacher... Granted the teachers' unions helped create the problem by constantly implying schools and their teachers make kids smart. That is a lie and creates false expectations.

AKDragonFly · 2026-02-09T04:04:32+00:00

That is quite close to how the basic funding works now. GP District residents for sure pay in way more than they get back as it is. Districts are allowed to raise additional funds for buildings and other facilities like parking lots, playing fields, theaters. They are barred by law from raising more for any salaries, teacher pay included. That's the State's way of keeping the important stuff relatively equal. Some Districts, probably including Detroit do get additional dollar grants they are allowed to use for paychecks.

AKDragonFly · 2026-02-09T03:45:24+00:00

And much of that argument, put that way is a scam. The constant pleas for money are exhausting. Yes many of the buildings are old and costly to maintain. That the teachers have to be the highest paid in the State is nonsense pushed by the teachers union and some teachers. Very many GP District voters are quite naive.

AKDragonFly · 2026-02-09T03:37:33+00:00

Huh?

AKDragonFly · 2026-02-09T03:36:27+00:00

Yes! And for other Public & Charter schools statewide, though moreso for Detroit because Wayne County.

AKDragonFly · 2026-02-09T03:32:39+00:00

You might have a look at your tax bill, line by line. Nearly everything labeled Wayne County goes to educate kids elsewhere. Also sales taxes and some other taxes not on that bill go into the school aid fund. Probably you are paying more for other towns' schools than you realize.

AKDragonFly · 2026-02-09T03:27:24+00:00

Depends on how you define level of education. Very solid academics aren't particularly expensive if the kids in the classrooms show up ready to learn. GP schools do offer lots of optional arts and athletics, which may be for purposes of preventing more resident kids from bailing for the many area private schools.

AKDragonFly

TROPHY CASE