District News

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) -- Summer 2025 marks the busiest season yet for the Reimagine GRPS with Us! initiative, with transformative projects underway across the district to create more inspiring and safer spaces for scholars and staff. 

These projects are made possible thanks to a $305 million zero-tax-rate-increase bond passed overwhelmingly by our community in 2023.

Southeast Career Pathways: A New Home
The former Sigsbee School will reopen this August as the new Southeast Career Pathways campus. The $7 million renovation is converting the former elementary school into a vibrant high school environment filled with natural light, thanks to the installation of larger windows throughout learning spaces.

“We are thrilled to welcome scholars into this renovated space,” said Alex Smart, Executive Director of Facilities & Operations. “What was once a dark building will now be bright, filled with daylight and upgraded lighting.”

The project also features a new safe and secure entrance, scholar commons area, updated flooring and paint, and a new HVAC system.

Houseman Field & Briggs Field: Upgrades for Community Landmarks

Renovations are well underway at both Houseman Field and Briggs Field, two venues that host athletic events, band camps, graduations, and more.

At Houseman Field, improvements include a new track, new turf, energy-efficient LED lighting, expanded parking, and locker room upgrades.

Briggs Field renovations include a new track, new grass playing surface, upgraded bleachers, additional restrooms, and improvements to fencing and masonry.

“These renovations will breathe new life into both facilities, enhancing the experience for our scholars, fans, and visitors,” said Smart.

Dickinson Academy: Prioritizing Safety

Scholar and staff safety remains GRPS’s highest priority. Renovations at Dickinson Academy this summer include a new safe and secure entrance designed to improve security and enhance the visitor screening process. This is the third new secure entrance completed this year, following upgrades at Westwood Middle School and the new Southeast Career Pathways building.

New Health Center at Harrison Park

This August, GRPS will open an exciting new community resource: the Harrison Park Health Center at Harrison Park Academy, in partnership with Catherine’s Health Center. Supported by a grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Child and Adolescent Health Center program, this clinic will include medical exam rooms, a behavioral health office, a registration area, and a lab.

GRPS scholars and community members between the ages of 3 and 21 will have access to medical and behavioral health services at this location, regardless of the ability to pay. Parent or caregiver consent will be required to receive services.

The medical provider will offer services including well-child visits, sports physicals, immunizations, and assessment and treatment for acute illness or injuries. The behavioral health provider will provide individual and group therapy for those needing mental health counseling services.

This is the fourth clinic to open at a GRPS school. GRPS partners with Cherry Health for clinics at Innovation Central High School, Ottawa Hills High School, and Union High School.

Other Summer Projects

Additional work this summer includes parking lot upgrades to improve traffic flow and parking for families and staff at Congress Elementary, Grand Rapids Montessori Academy, Innovation Central High School, and Kent Hills Elementary.

Renovations are also wrapping up at César E. Chávez Elementary, Coit Creative Arts Academy, and Sibley Elementary, providing refreshed spaces that benefit scholars and staff.

In the coming months, GRPS will begin three other major projects: a new elementary school in northeast Grand Rapids, a new Pre-K through 12 Montessori campus, and a new environmental science academy in southeast Grand Rapids.

You can follow updates on these projects by visiting the Reimagine GRPS Dashboard at grps.org/reimagine.