UCS breaks ground on reconstruction of Graebner Elementary  

With a turn of the dirt, a complete reconstruction of Graebner Elementary is one step closer to reality.  

UCS and school officials held a groundbreaking ceremony to officially begin a year-long reconstruction of the school.  

“Graebner Elementary is the next step toward realizing our vision of how elementary schools will support student achievement and innovation,” Superintendent Robert S. Monroe said. “The project reflects the transformational nature of the improvements being made through our 2023 Safety and Success bond issue.” 

Voters overwhelmingly approved a $550 million bond issue in May of 2023. 

Graebner Elementary students and staff will be temporarily relocated during the 2025-2026 school year to Rose Kidd to allow the construction to take place.  

The reconstruction project for Graebner will result in improved safety with multiple layers of entry points that can be locked down in the event of an emergency, professional learning communities for large and small group instruction, and classrooms that provide teachers state of the art technology and designs that allow for flexibility of instruction.  

“This reconstruction is more than just physical improvements – it’s an investment in our school community and its future,” said Graebner Elementary Principal Elizabeth Bojaj. “The upgrades will allow us to better support innovative teaching practices, improve safety and accessibility, and create welcoming spaces that reflect our commitment to excellence.”  

Graebner Elementary is the second of three reconstruction projects currently scheduled in Utica Community Schools.  

DeKeyser Elementary will open in August of this year. Havel Elementary will undergo reconstruction during the 2026-2027 school year.  

Other ongoing projects through the first phase of the bond issue include:  

• Safety improvements throughout the district, including replacement of select doors and hardware, installation of shatter resistant glass, and parking lot improvements. 
• Technology enhancements, including interactive projection systems at all elementary schools. The projection systems were installed over the past year at secondary schools.  
• Replacement of playground equipment at elementary sites across the district.  
• Improvements to athletic facilities, including new turf softball and baseball fields at Henry Ford II and Eisenhower high schools, renovation to Swinehart Field, Runkel Field, and a Stevenson athletic complex at 16 Mile and Dodge Park for new tennis courts, softball, and baseball fields. 

This is the second year of improvements through the bond issue. Major projects last summer included building walls and doors at elementary schools constructed with “open concept” designs, redesigns of several parking lots, and replacement of doors and hardware as needed. Reconstruction of DeKeyser Elementary also began last summer. 

For more information on the Graebner Elementary improvements, including design renderings, please see this link: https://www.uticak12.org/graebnerbond. For information on the UCS 2023 bond issue, please see this link: https://www.uticak12.org/safetyandsuccess