What is the Grosse Pointe Foundation for Public Education?

The Grosse Pointe Foundation for Public Education [GPFPE] is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing private funding to enhance academic and enrichment programs for the Grosse Pointe Public School System. Our purpose is to augment public funding to improve the quality of education for students in the Grosse Pointe Public School System.

Our Mission

“The Grosse Pointe Foundation for Public Education brings our community together to fund extraordinary educational opportunities for our children”

Our Guiding Values

We strive to demonstrate the following in all that we do:

Collaboration

We search out and develop partnerships to better serve our students and community.

Responsibility

We pledge to be accountable to our partners, donors, volunteers and the students we serve.

Innovation

We strive to be forward thinking and inclusive.

Impact

We search out and develop partnerships to better serve our students and community.

Empowerment

We fund programs that help each student realize his or her full potential.

Why is the GPFPE necessary?

The GPFPE is necessary to protect the high standard of educational programs we have come to expect of the GPPSS.

In 1994, the method in which school districts receive funding was changed with the passage of Proposal A. In the past, money generated by local school taxes was sent directly to the school district. However, this revenue is now sent to Lansing, and state government redistributes it to school districts throughout Michigan.

At this time, the GPPSS’s funding from the state is equal to the amount generated in 1994, due in part to the passage of the “hold harmless” millage. Without that millage, the district would actually be receiving fewer funds than the 1994 level. In essence, the district has not had a “raise” in over a decade.

Board of Directors

Officers

  • President
    Cynthia Sohn

  • Secretary 
    Caroline Marks

  • Vice President
    Robert Montgomery

  • Treasurer
    Kiana Rose

Board of Directors

  • Ben Burns

  • Robert Bury

  • Elizabeth Connors

  • Kathy Fisk

  • Pamela Flom

  • Sarah Gough

  • Jake Howlett

  • Beth Moran

  • Clare Pfeiffer

  • Maria Quint

  • Jason Tinsley

  • Kris Vande Vusse

  • Brendan C. Walsh

Advisory Board Member

  • Barbara Bierbusse

  • Jeff Broderick

  • Patrick Burke

  • John Danaher

  • Laura B. Huebner

  • Mary Beth Nicholson

  • Christie Scoggin

  • Lorna G. Utley

Enrich

Engage

Inspire

Get Connected

The GPFPE is a growing group of community members who are committed to the continued tradition of academic excellence in Grosse Pointe. Parents of school children and graduates come together with people who have no direct connection to the schools because they understand the relationship between an excellent public school system and the community experience we enjoy in Grosse Pointe. Our Board of Directors serve in a volunteer capacity bringing their diverse talents and professional experiences to the organization.

Donation

“Digital learning projects = engaged and empowered learners = kids who keep working at home = an extended school day.”

Susan Howey, Working Together Wirelessly Grant

“These cameras have greatly improved the image quality of our segments, allowing us to film scenes with better visual look”

Athan, Pierce Broadcast Journalism

The Grosse Pointe Foundation for Public Education brings our community together to fund extraordinary educational opportunities for our children.

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