GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Hundreds of teachers, parents and students rallied outside — and even inside — the Grand Rapids Public Schools board meeting Monday evening, calling on district leaders to settle ongoing contract negotiations.

The new school year is already three weeks underway, but GRPS teachers are still working without a finalized contract. Negotiations between the district and the Grand Rapids Education Association have stretched on for months.

“We’re the least paid in the district working in some of the most challenging environments,” said Whitley Morse, a teacher at Ottawa Hills High School.

Union leaders say while progress has been made, movement has been far too slow.

“We’ve gotten closer, but since May 14, 2024, I don’t understand why it’s taken this long,” said GR

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