01/29/2026
Please see below for Dr. Andrea Tuttle’s retirement announcement.
My statement:
Dr. Tuttle took the reins of GPPSS amidst massive personnel turnover, surrounded by more questions than answers. Our district remains grateful for her leadership in stabilizing the Central Administration team first and foremost. She also skillfully led the district team and engaged our community on the way to passing a $120M Bond program, a $110M Sinking Fund program, and renewing our Operating Millage. I hope she enjoys a long and happy retirement with her family.
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Message from Dr. Tuttle:
Dear Grosse Pointe Public Schools Parents, Guardians, and Community Members,
Grosse Pointe Public School System is truly a premier school district, and our schools add immeasurably to the character, pride, and vibrancy of this remarkable community. It has been both a joy and an honor to serve as your Superintendent. I am writing to share that I will retire effective August 31, 2026. This timeline aligns with my contractual notification commitment to the Board of Education, and allows for thoughtful planning and a smooth, positive transition for our district and community.
For the remainder of my tenure, I will continue to lead with passion, integrity, and high expectations for myself and others, always guided by what is best for the students of this exceptional district. That commitment does not change.
On a personal note, I wish I had more time to build even deeper relationships across the district and community. I have loved the Pointes and Harper Woods since spending time here as a child, and feel grateful to have met so many incredible people and leaders. Please know that my respect for our educators and support staff runs deep. Teaching was my original dream, and although my career path evolved, my admiration for those who serve students every day has never wavered. I truly believe the saying “iron sharpens iron,” and I have felt surrounded by talented, committed professionals at every turn.
I also have deep admiration for the parents and guardians in this district. The students of the Grosse Pointe Public School System are remarkable — and I do not say that lightly. My own children often joke that if Mom gives a compliment, it must really mean something. Your partnership, involvement, and positive parenting help set the foundation for your children’s success.
Like most retirement letters, I feel compelled to reflect on what our team has accomplished together. During my time as Superintendent, we stabilized district finances, growing the general fund from 8 percent to 14 percent while right-sizing the district without layoffs. We strengthened our human resources team, particularly within Central Office and administration, by welcoming outstanding leaders, including a Chief Financial Officer, Human Resources Director, Curriculum Director, Technology Director, and Communications Director. Together, we successfully passed a $120 million bond, a $110 million sinking fund, and an operational and enhancement millage. We expanded curriculum opportunities for students and settled all contracts, including a two-year teachers’ agreement with a 92 percent approval rating. I am proud of these accomplishments because they reflect collective effort and trust.
I am especially proud of the people I had the opportunity to promote from within, the new professionals we welcomed into our district, and the leaders I was able to mentor as they grew even stronger. Grosse Pointe Public School System is fortunate to have remarkable professionals and support staff who care deeply about students, and I feel honored to have been part of this team.
Together, we have worked hard for students, supported one another, and shared moments of laughter along the way. I hope I have demonstrated that it is possible to lead with purpose, work with determination, and still find joy in the journey — even on the days when the copier, the phones, and the Wi-Fi all seem to test our character at once.
Most importantly, I am proud of our students. I certainly cannot take credit for their accomplishments, but I hope I have provided our educational team with the support and trust needed to do what they do best. Throughout my career, I have believed in hiring — or inheriting — excellent people and then empowering them to serve students well. That has been easy in Grosse Pointe.
I am grateful for the Board members who trusted our educational leaders, maintained a healthy partnership, and kept students at the center of decisions.
I remain fully committed to serving with complete dedication through the end of my tenure and to supporting a strong transition in any way that is helpful.
Thank you for the privilege of serving Grosse Pointe Public School System. As always, it is great to be GP. Let’s fi
nish the 2025–2026 school year as strong as we began, moving forward together.
With gratitude and respect,
Dr. Andrea Tuttle
