As Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal career draws to a close this week, her farewell tour continued Thursday as a number of officials, parents and students gathered at the city’s Downtown Market to say goodbye and thank Weatherall Neal for a job well done.
“Under Teresa’s leadership she has inspired in every single one of her employees to love and care for our children, and its been and honor and a privilege to work under her leadership,” Katherine Pitch, a member of Weatherall Neal’s staff at the district said.
It’s the end of a seven-year run as superintendent highlighted by a number of successes. Weatherall-Neal will most likely be remembered for helping convince voters to pass a $175 million bond in 2016 as well as the implementation of the Grand Rapids Public School’s Transformation Plan.
A former k-12 student of the district, Weatherall Neal’s service as superintendent brings a 55-year-old relationship with the district full circle. As she looks back on her career, she says, 'it was all about the kids.'
“My love for these kids is second to none,” Weatherall Neal said. “I just believe the answer is always love.”
Weatherall Neal leaves behind multiple career highlights, including the approval of a $17 million renovation to Ottawa Hills High School, the launching of the district’s Innovation High School, as well as the opening of the Public Museum High School.
According to the district, over the past seven years under Weatherall Neal’s leadership, graduation rates rose 50 percent, enrollment stabilized, while suspensions and the number of safety and security incidents dropped.
Grand Rapids Board of Education member Tony Baker says, Teresa Weatherall Neal, will be missed.
“She transformed the school district,” Baker said. “I mean, where we were to where we were seven years ago is amazing; and now, we are a model urban school district.”
