The Grandville Board of Education has accepted the retirement of Superintendent Roger Bearup, effective June 30, 2026, following 37 years in public education and 11 years of service to Grandville Public Schools.
Bearup announced his decision during the board’s regular meeting Tuesday evening and later shared a letter with staff reflecting on his career and gratitude for the Grandville community.
“The past 11 years as superintendent in Grandville have been a true blessing,” Bearup said. “I will forever cherish the friendships, achievements and remarkable students we’ve had the privilege to serve together. Grandville is and always will be my home.”
He said the decision to retire came from a personal sense that the time felt right. “Nothing negative led to this decision. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the great people of Grandville,” Bearup said. “Usually, a leader knows when it is time. We have an amazing administrative team and exceptional board and educational staff. I leave knowing Grandville Public Schools has the solid foundation needed to be a destination place for many years to come.”
Looking ahead, looking back
Bearup said he plans to spend quality time with loved ones and visit places he has long hoped to see. After that, he said he hopes to pursue something new that will allow him to continue serving others.
During his tenure, Bearup led a period of significant growth and investment in Grandville Public Schools. Major projects completed under his leadership include the construction of a new middle school and robotics center, the transformation of the former middle school into Oakestown Intermediate, the development of the Grandville Early Learning Center, and major upgrades to the district’s transportation campus, including the Weller Auto Tech Center.
He also provided steady leadership through the pandemic, helping guide the district through one of the most challenging periods in public education. Under his leadership, Grandville Public Schools has earned state and national recognition by Niche and U.S. News & World Report for the quality of its schools and programs.
Bearup will continue to serve as superintendent through June 30, 2026. He is meeting with Board President Jason Heyboer this week to begin discussing next steps in the superintendent search process. The Grandville Board of Education will begin a thoughtful superintendent search in the coming months. Additional information regarding the process and timeline will be shared with staff and the community as plans are developed.
Grandville Public Schools thanks Roger Bearup for his years of service and leadership and wishes him the very best in this next chapter!