OTTAWA COUNTY -- In a move that has drawn swift disappointment from local education leaders, the Trump Administration has announced the end of the National Blue Ribbon Schools program, a decades-old initiative that honored high-performing schools across the country.
The decision, part of a broader effort to scale back the federal role in education, has left school districts in Ottawa County to mourn the loss of a significant and motivating distinction.
For years, Ottawa County schools have been a fixture on the Blue Ribbon list, a testament to the area's commitment to academic excellence.
Grand Haven Area Public Schools, in particular, has had several schools earn the distinction in the past eight years, with Lake Hills and Rosy Mound elementaries most recently recognized.
Kristin Perkowski, superintendent of Grand Haven Area Public Schools, called the awards a "testament" to the dedication of her staff.
"These awards are a testament to our staff's dedication to helping all students reach their full potential and to the levels of excellence we see across our schools," Perkowski said.
West Ottawa Public Schools Superintendent Timothy Bearden expressed similar disappointment, noting that the district had been preparing for another application when the news broke.
Lakeshore Elementary, a past recipient, had already completed the process to reapply for the honor, which was decided annually.
"We were disappointed to learn of the discontinuation of the Blue Ribbon program," Bearden said. "Lakewood Elementary, a past recipient, had completed the process of reapplying and was waiting to hear when we received word of the discontinuation."
The National Blue Ribbon Schools program, established in 1982, recognized schools in one of two categories: exemplary high-performing schools and exemplary achievement gap-closing schools. The designation was based on a variety of metrics, including student scores on state assessments and nationally administered tests, as well as graduation rates. Up to 420 schools were nominated each year, with public schools being nominated by each state's top education official.
Of the 12 Michigan schools that received the honor in 2024, three more were based in West Michigan:
For schools like those in Ottawa County, the Blue Ribbon was more than just a plaque on the wall. According to Bearden, the application process itself served as a valuable exercise in self-evaluation.
"In addition to being a great recognition of the work done by students and staff, the Blue Ribbon program's application process was a great self-reflection for schools and the program set lofty goals for schools to attain," he said.
The program also provided a vital network, connecting high-achieving schools and districts from different parts of the country to share best practices.
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"The program also provided a vehicle for connecting with other high-performing schools and school districts across the country," Bearden said. "While disappointed in the loss of the program, we are extremely proud of the work done by students and staff to meet the Blue Ribbon standards."
The decision by the Education Department, announced to state education agencies on Aug. 29, aligns with the administration's stated goal of "Returning Education to the States."
The program's abrupt end has raised questions about what will replace the national benchmark for excellence and how schools will now be recognized for their achievements. Those conversations are continuing statewide.