Shifting the Narrative from Scarcity to Abundance

Too often, schools are framed by what they lack: funding, time, staffing, resources. But what if we changed the lens? What if we choose to focus on what’s possible instead? We believe in the power of abundance. In this mindset, we don’t hoard knowledge and potential but share it freely. Abundance requires vulnerability and trust. It’s the belief that when we give — whether its ideas, energy, or creativity — we don’t lose, we multiply.

This mindset drives everything we do. Instead of addressing challenges in isolation, we look at the whole picture. What kind of experience is your school trying to create? What story are you trying to tell? How is your district transforming teaching or learning? Where can we break down silos, maximize resources, and align strategies so your school operates as one unified, powerful learning ecosystem?

Looking Ahead: A Future Built on Possibility

Education is one of the most powerful forces for economic and social mobility. When we get it right, we help pull people out of poverty, spur innovation, and shape a more equitable world. We don’t believe the future of education will be created by traveling the same paths that brought us here. It’s time for a different approach and one that is rooted in optimism, courage, and abundance.

At GMB, we’re committed to building a future where students have what they need to succeed, educators are empowered to lead, and schools are equipped to thrive. We want to partner with those who share our vision, who see education not just as a service, but as an opportunity to create change. Together, we can inspire future generations to think big, to live with joy, and to create abundantly.

First Impressions Matter

Campus tours continue to be an important factor in students’ enrollment decisions. The National Association for College Admission Counseling reports that over 70% of prospective students have a stronger interest in an institution after an in person visit. Positive interactions on campus coupled with up-to-date and engaging buildings can help tip decisions in an institution’s favor.

The Lake County campus of Ivy Tech Community College (ITCC) underwent extensive renovations including a reconstruction of the entrance to create a predominate, accessible front entry space that is visible from the street and enhances the building user’s entry experience. The ITCC brand and digital graphics, furniture, and building materials reflect both an industrial and technical aesthetic to create a warm and welcoming lobby. Several of the program entrance “front porches” off the main corridor are included in the design to increase visibility of the programs and provide a space for students to collaborate.

Branding Through Architecture

Facilities are also a large branding tool. Architecture that reflects institutional identity not only shapes student and community perceptions but also strengthens recruitment campaigns.

At Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), design decisions were made to highlight technical learning as visible and transparent. The exterior façade incorporates industrial materials and even a large-scale logo — functioning like a billboard that proudly communicates the college’s values and community role. Research has shown that distinctive campus design can increase a student’s sense of institutional pride and belonging, two factors tied to retention.

Connection to Nature

Outdoor spaces aren’t just amenities — they’re linked to improved student well-being and engagement. In fact, campus green spaces have been recognized as the most important environmental intervention for students’ mental health, as it can provide them with a space to relax and socialize. Colleges that integrate green spaces and biophilic design on campus report higher satisfaction rates among students.

At MCCC, the Warrick Student Center is designed to connect directly with the campus’s main quad, providing access to restorative green space. A patio on the outdoor mall will feature a canopy for shade and pant life, alongside a variety of seating, to draw students to the building. As landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted once noted, nature offers “refreshing rest and reinvigoration,” and modern research continues to affirm its role in supporting student success.

Knowing What Makes Your District Stand Out

Every district has unique strengths, challenges, and community characteristics. Data can bring those differences into focus. Whether your district excels in producing college-bound graduates or your graduates are more interested in trades or enrolling in technical programs, both are valuable paths for students to pursue. But each pathway requires different investments in facilities and programming.

Demographic and enrollment trends also shape the story. Are more young families moving into the area, requiring additional classrooms, especially at the early childhood level? Has your district experienced dramatic shifts in enrollment due to schools of choice or employment changes in the community? Has your institution experienced an increased demand for certain specialized programming, creating new demands for flexible spaces?

Some districts find themselves maintaining more buildings than their peers to serve the same number of students, while others are growing so quickly that every available classroom feels full. In some cases, rising salary costs can make it difficult to invest in facilities, technology, or curriculum resources. Large geographic areas can stretch transportation programs thin, driving up costs simply because buses have farther to go. Even utility spending can quietly climb above benchmark values, increasing the overall cost of educating each student.

Every district’s story is different. The right combination of data points helps reveal what makes yours unique — where resources are stretched, where efficiencies can be gained, and where investment will have the greatest impact. Framing those realities within the proper context helps build a clear, compelling case for long-term improvements and smarter operations.

The districts that thrive in challenging times are the ones that use data strategically to guide decision-making and inspire action:

• Enrollment analysis helps leaders forecast needs based on demographic shifts, ensuring proactive planning for the future.
• Strategic reporting creates clarity around financials, enrollment, staffing levels, student outcomes, and other important district characteristics.
• Regular financial reporting can help create a shared language within a district’s community, making complex funding mechanisms like bonds, operating millages, and sinking funds easier for voters to understand when necessary.

AIA’s annual Honor awards celebrate excellence in local architecture and architectural design by honoring projects completed, individual architects, students, and community leaders for their contributions to the profession. Founded in 1857, AIA is the preeminent professional organization for architects across the country, working to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities through the creation and promotion of ethical standards and code of conduct for all members.

As part of the Kentwood’s 2021 bond, a new culinary arts center addition replaced the high school’s 1970s style kitchen with a state-of-the-art facility. New appliances and technology support innovative curriculum in the new instructional kitchen, which now provides students with on-campus access to technical programs that prepare students for real-world experiences after high school. 

“Our district prides itself on our ability to provide real-world experiences and innovative learning,” said Kevin Polston, Superintendent at Kentwood Public Schools. “The new culinary arts spaces exemplify that mission by giving students meaningful skills and practical knowledge that will positively influence their futures.”

East Kentwood High School currently offers two levels of culinary arts classes: an introductory class for students to learn basic cooking techniques, measurements, nutrition, and safety; and another where students learn more advanced techniques and commercial-level cooking.

“The learning that takes place in our culinary arts facility involves more than just a cooking class. Students are building lifelong skills in time management, teamwork, food safety, and professional service — skills that directly translate into careers and college opportunities,” said Chef Donald Ram, East Kentwood High School Culinary Arts Instructor.

Core Principles

At the heart of gamification are these game-like elements designed to motivate and inspire students:

• Points, badges, levels and leaderboards provide recognition and a sense of achievement. Using the leveling-up approach, for example, students can see their learning progress using levels to demonstrate how much they are achieving.
• Quests, quizzes, hidden tasks and team challenges invite learners to work toward goals in ways that feel exploratory and fun. For example, role-playing quests can place students in the shoes of a biologist or engineer, encouraging creativity and problem-solving.
• Choose-your-own-adventure structures give learners autonomy to make decisions and explore different pathways, fostering ownership of their learning journey. For instance, a branching story sends students down different paths depending on what route they choose, helping students use critical thinking to plan ahead.
• Storytelling and narrative development transforms lessons into immersive experiences. When learning is framed through a storyline, it becomes more memorable, creating emotional connections that help knowledge stick.

The term gamification often evokes thoughts of technology, but gamification thrives in both physical and digital spaces. In-person tools can include projectors or wall displays for point tracking, as well as activity-based learning that blends movement with academics. These strategies not only engage students but also support motor skills, brain activation, and memory retention. On the other hand, digital tools like Kahoot!, Prodigy, and Zearn seamlessly integrate into eLearning. They offer interactive, curriculum-aligned platforms that turn routine lessons into competitions or cooperative quests with real-time feedback and personalized learning paths.

Wherever gamification is used, its accessibility is a key strength. Gamification is highly adaptable to nearly any subject area, teaching method, or budget, ensuring that all learners can participate in meaningful, playful instruction.

Benefits Beyond Engagement

While engagement is the most visible outcome, gamification offers a much deeper range of benefits:

• Inclusivity and accessibility ensure that gamified experiences can be designed for all learners, regardless of subject, background, or ability.
• Collaboration and competition help students build teamwork and resilience while embracing healthy rivalries.
• Problem-solving and creativity flourish in environments that encourage experimentation and open-ended challenges.
• Physical and mental health are strengthened when movement is integrated, as neuroscience links exercise with improved brain function, memory, and wellness.
• Social learning is embedded, with students often learning from and with each other in shared goals and team dynamics.

Pedagogy and Gamified Learning Environments

For gamification to be effective, it must be intentional. Simply adding games to a lesson isn’t enough — the activities must align with learning objectives and instructional goals. When thoughtfully applied, gamification complements flexible, tech-enabled, and socially interactive learning environments.

Research projects like the Gameful Assessment in Michigan Education (GAME) Project, led by the University of Michigan, highlight how gamified systems can transform assessment and instruction. These approaches encourage learners to think beyond grades, focusing instead on subject mastery and growth.

Educators can also blend gamification with traditional methods, adapting strategies for different subjects and learners. Over time, building these systems and training teachers to use them becomes an investment in the future, ensuring sustainable, engaging models of instruction.

By combining GMB’s strong foundation in education design services with Richard L. Johnson Associates’ deep understanding of the local market, we are building a team that is both nationally connected and locally grounded. This partnership allows us to bring the depth and breadth of national education best practices while remaining closely attuned to the unique needs of individual districts and communities.

“We are excited to welcome Richard L. Johnson Associates’ team and clients to GMB,” said David Bolt, President and CEO of GMB. “This acquisition brings together the strengths of both organizations, enhancing our collective capabilities and allowing us to create an even greater positive impact. By working as one team, we’ll be able to deliver more innovative solutions, support districts in reaching their goals, and ultimately improve the educational experience for students across the Midwest.”

Richard L. Johnson Associates, based in Rockford, Illinois, will continue serving more than 30 school districts in Northwest Illinois.

Scott Johnson, one of Richard L. Johnson Associates’ firm principals, has expressed excitement that clients will benefit from GMB’s additional in-house capabilities and educational design knowledge.

“I am very proud to be a part of this strategic acquisition,” said Johnson. “By combining our expertise in K-12 education, higher education, and broad experience in educational design, we’re building a full-service team that can collaborate across geographies and provide long-term value for our clients.”

The Richard L. Johnson Associates team will become part of GMB’s Team of Teams structure, which encourages autonomy and responsibility over the traditional hierarchical business model. GMB is also a 100% employee-owned company.

“As we grow and expand our educational ecosystem, we are inspired by the transformative work happening in classrooms across the country. We look forward to learning from these new partners and supporting how their clients are addressing today’s educational challenges,” added Bolt.

Meeting Families Where They Are

Early childhood centers (ECCs) that serve three- to five-year-olds can help districts address the childcare gap, positioning ECCs as both schools and solutions for working families. Full day preschool or half-days with wrap around care offer families the chance to integrate kids into the district earlier and can provide a single location for families with multi-age children. Across the U.S. there is growing momentum for access to free universal preschool and in Michigan, the state has set a goal of providing universal preschool for all four-year-olds by 2027.

Districts without a standalone ECC can still meet family needs with creative programming, such as offering “junior kindergarten” or “young fives” within elementary schools, providing an on-ramp for children not yet ready for traditional kindergarten. These models can provide age-appropriate learning experiences and make preschool more accessible for more students, especially in rural areas or geographically large districts where transportation may be a barrier.

The childcare challenge is not just about students — it affects the workforce at large. Access to resources and affordability directly impact parents’ ability to participate fully in the workforce. ECCs can serve as a workplace solution when districts establish early childhood education options to retain staff and support local families.

A recent Michigan Center for Data and Analytics report shows that preschool staff in Michigan typically earn more than childcare workers in private centers, making district-based ECCs a competitive employment option. But to sustain quality, it’s essential to invest in professional development, fair wages, and retention strategies for early educators.

Fewer school transitions are another retention strategy with student impact in mind. Especially for at-risk learners, minimizing moves between programs and schools provides greater stability and supports long-term academic success.

The Future Begins Here

When districts commit to providing early childhood education, they commit to long-term student success and stronger communities. Districts that invest intentionally in ECCs are creating opportunities beyond just early learning, they are creating a path to future readiness, equity, and prosperity.

Getting the Whole Picture at the College of Wooster

When The College of Wooster sought out a refreshed brand strategy, the challenge wasn’t just crafting the message. It was making sure the message resonated to create brand advocates across campus. Intentionally launching the College’s new brand strategy to internal stakeholders was a must. To be successful, our teams organized a three-day on-campus Brand Camp that included a series of interactive sessions designed to bring the brand to life for faculty and staff.

We offered open sessions for the entire campus community and hosted department-specific sessions tailored to the unique needs of individual teams. These sessions walked participants through the “why” behind the strategy, shared key insights from stakeholder engagement, and introduced core messaging elements like brand pillars, the brand promise, and the brand narrative.

But we didn’t stop at the presentation. The Brand Camp included collaborative workshops to help participants internalize and practice the new messaging. Through guided reflection, elevator pitch challenges, and real-world role-play scenarios, attendees explored how to apply the brand language in their own communications — whether talking to a prospective donor, emailing alumni, or preparing remarks for a campus event. By the end of Brand Camp, participants were more confident, empowered, and excited to share it. They reflected on what the brand promise meant for their specific roles, practiced speaking the brand aloud, and gave feedback on areas where they needed more support. They began to see themselves as co-owners of the story, ready to use their voices to amplify a consistent and authentic message.

Shared Resources and Centralized ECCs

In a centralized ECC model, a district serves all its youngest learners from one dedicated facility or campus. This approach can appeal to small/mid-size or urban districts seeking to consolidate resources and streamline operations.

Benefits of a Centralized Model:

• Consolidation of resources: Specialized staff like speech therapists, social workers, and early childhood specialists can serve all students from a single location.
• Facility efficiency: Maintaining one site is often more cost-effective than spreading programs across multiple schools.
• Program consistency: Housing all early childhood programs together, like Head Start, GSRP, and tuition-based preschool, promotes consistent curriculum delivery and equitable student experiences.

Challenges of a Centralized Model:

• Neighborhood identity: Centralized ECCs can feel disconnected from local schools, making it harder for children and families to build neighborhood-based relationships.
• Transportation logistics: Families may need to travel farther, and the district may need to account for busing young children and additional drop off/pick up traffic.

Every district’s ECC strategy is shaped by its unique community. These real-world examples shine a light on different approaches to ECCs:

Building a Centralized ECC at Lake Orion Community Schools

Lake Orion Community Schools sought to bring early education programming from multiple elementary schools under one roof, creating a specialized facility designed specifically for their youngest learners. The new Early Childhood Center accommodates up to 230 students in a safe, welcoming environment tailored to support curiosity, growth, and school readiness. By centralizing early childhood education, the district ensures equitable access to high-quality learning opportunities for all families in the Lake Orion community.

“This is really going to be a child’s first school experience in the Lake Orion Community School district before they get to kindergarten. We also have opportunities for kids to work together with their own families in our center and with the adults that are teaching the programs.” – Kimberly McLean, Director of Early Childhood Services at the ribbon cutting.

With its dedicated spaces, purposeful design, and focus on building relationships from day one, the Early Childhood Center sets the stage for a strong start and lasting connection to the Lake Orion community.

Following a Decentralized Model at Lakeview Community Schools

In contrast, Lakeview School District embraces a more neighborhood-based approach. The district integrated early childhood classrooms into multiple elementary schools, moving the program out of its aging administration facility. Today, Riverside Elementary and Prairie View Elementary each house two early childhood classrooms, welcoming the district’s youngest learners in updated and bright environments. This geographic split shortens commutes and simplifies drop-off for families on different sides of the district, while also fostering early connections between students and the elementary communities they will be part of through 5th grade.

Exploring an Alternative Model at Little Hawks Nature Preschool

Some districts are even exploring more specialized ECC models, like Little Hawks Nature Preschool. Operating independently yet supported by local school partnerships, Little Hawks offers outdoor, nature-based early childhood education. Outdoor models are particularly effective in rural areas where access to traditional facilities is limited. Research highlights benefits such as increased sensory engagement, improved motor skills, and reductions in behavioral issues. Nature-based preschools represent a flexible alternative or complement to traditional ECC facilities, meeting community needs in creative ways.