GRPS Staff Recommend WGNO Proposal for Stocking Elementary Site

Stocking Community Hub
Written By Chi Benedict

Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) has released new information outlining recommendations for the future of the former Stocking and Alexander Elementary School sites.

Recent coverage from both WOODTV8 and WGVU provides additional insight into how the district is reviewing proposals and considering next steps for the properties.

Click on the image to read the proposal.

What Was Announced

According to reporting, GRPS has completed its initial review of submitted proposals and is moving forward with recommendations for both sites.

Coverage from WOODTV8 and WGVU notes that GRPS staff, in coordination with their real estate advisor JLL, have recommended moving forward with the West Grand Neighborhood Organization (WGNO) proposal for the Stocking site.

The reporting highlights both the proposal’s alignment with community priorities and the strong level of neighborhood support behind the vision.

It also references the proposed purchase and the inclusion of community-centered features such as shared space, services, and programming.

While final decisions have not yet been made, this marks an important step forward in the process following the Request for Proposals (RFP).

This recommendation reflects both technical review and community alignment as key factors in the evaluation process.

A Continued Process

This announcement is part of a broader process that has included:

  • Community input sessions held in January 2026

  • Nearly 300 public suggestions gathered from residents

  • Submission of proposals from interested organizations

  • Ongoing evaluation of potential future uses

Each step has contributed to shaping the conversation around what comes next for Stocking.

Community Priorities Remain Clear

Throughout this process, community feedback has remained consistent.

Residents have emphasized the importance of:

  • Community-centered space

  • Access to services and resources

  • Opportunities for youth and families

  • Preservation of green space

  • Long-term neighborhood stability

These priorities were reflected in both community-led engagement efforts and GRPS-led input sessions earlier this year.

Why This Matters

The future of the Stocking site is an important decision for the West Grand community.

As recommendations move forward, they are being considered alongside the feedback and priorities that have been shared by residents throughout this process.

These priorities closely align with the vision that has been developed through community engagement efforts over the past year.

For more than 50 years, the West Grand Neighborhood Organization (WGNO) has worked alongside residents, businesses, nonprofits, schools, and public partners to strengthen the West Side of Grand Rapids.

The proposed Stocking Community Hub is a continuation of that work—bringing together partners, resources, and community voices to support long-term neighborhood stability and quality of life.

The recommendation by GRPS staff and JLL further reinforces the alignment between the proposal, community priorities, and the long-term vision for the site.

Community Support Continues to Grow

This effort has already brought together a strong and growing network of residents, organizations, financial partners, and community supporters who believe in investing in the future of the West Side.

Early support for the project reflects this momentum, with individuals and organizations contributing to help move the vision forward and demonstrate broad community alignment.

This continued support reinforces that the future of the Stocking site is not just about a single proposal—it is about a shared community vision.

Get Involved: June 8 Board Meetings & Public Input

As this process continues, community voice remains an important part of what comes next.

The GRPS Board of Education has postponed a final vote on the Stocking Elementary RFP to allow for additional deliberation. Key discussions and potential decisions are expected to take place during meetings on June 8, 2026:

  • 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Board of Education Ad Hoc Facilities Committee Meeting
    (This committee reviews specific proposals, including the future of the Stocking site.)

  • 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM: Board of Education Regular Meeting
    (This is the primary meeting where the full board may take official action.)

For those who support a community-centered future for the Stocking site, attending these meetings is an important opportunity to be present as discussions continue and potential decisions are made.

Share Your Support

Community members have several ways to make their voices heard:

1. Submit a Letter of Support to WGNO

The West Grand Neighborhood Organization (WGNO) is compiling letters of support to present directly to the school board, demonstrating strong neighborhood alignment and community backing.

By Email:
annette@westgrand.org

By Mail or In Person:
West Grand Neighborhood Organization
754 Leonard St. NW, Suite B
Grand Rapids, MI 49504

2. Submit Public Comment to the GRPS Board of Education

To ensure your voice is included in official meeting materials, you can submit written comments directly to the GRPS Board of Education.

By Email:
board@grps.org

For questions or assistance:
BOEAssistant@grps.org (For procedural questions or access assistance)

3. Speak at the Meeting (In-Person Public Comment)

Community members may also speak during the public comment period at the June 8 meeting.

  • Requirement: Fill out a physical public comment card (blue card)

  • Deadline: Must be submitted at least 30 minutes before the meeting begins

  • Location: Board Auditorium Lobby
    1331 Martin Luther King Jr. St SE

4. Stay Updated on Agendas and Meetings

You can track upcoming agendas and official meeting notices through the GRPS Board of Education:

👉 https://grps.org/our-district/board-of-education/

Looking Ahead

GRPS is expected to continue its review process as it works toward final decisions regarding both properties.

Additional updates will provide more clarity on next steps and timelines.

Stay Informed

We encourage community members to stay informed and engaged as this process continues.

👉 Learn about community input and priorities for the site
👉 Explore the vision for the Stocking Community Hub

We will continue to share updates and important next steps through the Stocking Community Hub webpage:
👉 https://westgrand.org/stocking-hub

Key Takeaway

GRPS staff have recommended the WGNO proposal for the future of the Stocking Elementary site—reflecting strong alignment with community priorities and underscoring the importance of continued public engagement as the process moves toward a final decision.

Sources

Chi Benedict
Next

Why Stocking Matters: A Legacy Worth Preserving