The Grosse Pointe Public School Board has taken a hit in the past year with meetings lasting until 3 a.m., public discourse and numerous losses to its staff. It’s most recent hit: the loss of the Human Resources Director, Nicole Pilgrim.

Pilgrim has held her position for around eight years, starting in 2016 at the base level cabinet and working her way up to Executive Director of HR in 2023. The position has brought her both difficult struggles and great rewards.

“Working in HR, you learn so much about staff and what they are experiencing,” Pilgrim said. “We know about every illness, every loss, every triumph. When I can help a staff member through a difficult time, that’s when all of the hard work is worth it.”

Pilgrim’s contract was set to expire at the end of June 2024. Unfortunately, the Board of Education had not renewed the contracts of Executive Directors, forcing Pilgrim to make the tough decision to look at other positions. She was extended the offer of a Vice President of HR role and made the bittersweet decision to resign.

“This position is vital to the success of our staff, and I have an abundance of knowledge to assist in this transition,” Pilgrim said. “I will help as long as the district needs it.”