Always follow the money: Campaign Finances for the Grand Rapids School Board Candidates

There are several candidates that are running for the Grand Rapids School Board, in an election to fill three of the seats in a 9 member board.

As of this posting, there are numerous candidates that have not filed campaign finance data, primarily because they did not raise enough funds to warrant filing. However, there are 4 candidates who have filed, so we can take a look at their campaign finance information.

The limited amount of money going into the Grand Rapids School Board elections is a bit surprising, especially when one considers how contested the public education system has been in recent decades. Then there is the issue of school closings, masking policies, Critical Race Theory, the attacks on trans students, all of which are being fomented by far right movements and parent groups that tend to be inherently anti-public schools. One would have thought that those with deep pockets would have used their considerable influence in the Grand Rapids School Board Election. 

Lastly, GRIID did a post a few weeks ago, where candidates for the Grand Rapids Public School Board had responded to a letter sent out by the group Grand Rapids for Education Justice. The responses to that letter can be read here.

Amanda Bernes

Total raised: $1,703.83

Total spent: $1,698.83

Total # of contributions: 22

Largest contributors:

Political Action Committees & Organization

None

Individuals

Nothing above $500

Sara Melton

Total raised: $1,877.84

Total spent: $1,755.63

Total # of contributions: 23

Largest contributors:

Political Action Committees & Organization

• Grand Rapids Education Association – $250

Individuals

Nothing above $500

Jose Rodriguez

Total raised: $2,527.67

Total spent: $2,356.97

Total # of contributions: 39

Largest contributors:

Political Action Committees & Organization

• West Michigan Progress PAC – $300
• Michigan Education Association – $275

Individuals

Nothing above $500

Aarie Wade

Total raised: $2,504.75

Total spent: $2,066.82

Total # of contributions: 27

Largest contributors:

Political Action Committees & Organization

• Equity PAC – $500
• Michigan Education Association PAC – $275

Individuals

Nothing above $500