PFAE Endorsed Candidates
Pointers for Academic Excellence is excited to endorse four outstanding candidates for the Grosse Pointe Public School System School Board. These individuals are deeply aligned with the PFAE mission to promote community engagement and maximize opportunities for our students and staff. Their commitment to fostering individual success and community contribution makes them the ideal representatives for our vision of becoming the most effective school district in Michigan.
Meet Our Candidates
Kate Hopper
A lifelong resident of the Grosse Pointes, graduate of South with a Bachelor's degree in English from Hillsdale College, Kate has over 25 years of business experience with a background in Commercial Real Estate Management, Communications, and Marketing. During her tenure at CBRE, Kate was recognized for Excellence in Asset Services. She has held volunteer roles with many organizations, chairing various committees for the Sigma Gamma Association and multiple fundraisers for Life Remodeled and on the Corewell Health Grosse Pointe Spiritual Care Foundation Committee.
Her decision to run comes after several years of being engaged and concerned about the direction of our schools, attending school board meetings and, currently, as a member of the GPPSS Community Engagement Ad hoc Committee.
Terence Collins
Appointed to the Board in 2023, Terry has worked over 30 years in the automotive industry. Currently a financial supervisor in Process Validation and Improvement, he manages both financial analysts and data analytics teams. Improving processes and ensuring every dollar is accounted for is what he does every day.
Terry believes our district and students are only now recovering from decisions made to keep our schools closed during Covid, while private, parochial and other schools across the state were open. GPPSS students received less than 1/2 of the State's required instructional hours for most of 2020-2021, the impacts of which are only now being realized. The previous administration chose to use Covid $$$ to plug budget holes instead of addressing the needs of our students and returning them to the classroom. Alarmingly, fund equity declined substantially despite millions of dollars in Cares Act funding received by GPPSS. The new faces added to the Board has finally brought the leadership necessary to restore financial stability to our district, most notably with the hiring of Supt. Dr. Andrea Tuttle. As a Trustee, Terry will continue to make Academic Excellence the key focus of this district while ensuring financial transparency and accountability.
Heath Roberts
Heath and his wife Lindsay have 3 children and have lived in Grosse Pointe Park for 5 years. Heath's career is focused on children's health, working at Children's Hospitals in Michigan and Missouri. After high school graduation, Heath joined the US Army and served on Active Duty in the 101st Airborne Division. He holds dual bachelor's degrees in management and finance, and an MBA. He is the Chief Administrative Officer for Population Health Services at Henry Ford Health.
Heath offers a fresh perspective to the Board and will ensure a thriving environment for students. He emphasizes budget accountability, policy guidance, and community involvement. With 20 years of experience in pediatric healthcare and three children in the district, Heath is deeply invested in children's education and well-being. He is committed to transparent and accountable governance.
Melissa Fradenburg
Melissa is a proud Grosse Pointe resident of 17 years, with two children currently attending South. Her background in finance, combined with her deep involvement in our community has equipped her with the skills and insights needed to serve effectively. Her children attended Kerby through 3rd grade, but left to attend St. Paul due to large class sizes and a disruptive learning environment, but returned when her youngest entered 8th grade. This gives Melissa a unique perspective on the district's challenges and strengths.
Her focus will be to address the critical issues facing our district including the financial strain of declining enrollment and aging facilities. Her experience on the Policy & Contracts Committee and the Facilities & Finance Committee has provided invaluable insights into GPPSS funding and resource management. Melissa believes in prioritizing fiscal responsibility, academic excellence, and collaboration. Her goal is to make decisions that support strong academic programs and provide the best possible education for our students.