GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) – This summer will mark the busiest construction season yet under the Reimagine GRPS bond, approved overwhelmingly by voters in 2023. Major progress is expected on the district’s new elementary school, along with multiple new playground installations and improvements to learning spaces across several schools.
“These projects reflect our commitment to providing every scholar with safe, modern, and inspiring learning environments,” said Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby. “We are deeply grateful to our community for their support of the Reimagine GRPS bond. Your investment is making these improvements possible.”
Here’s an overview of the big projects:
New Northeast Elementary School
Construction continued through the winter on a new, state-of-the-art elementary school on the site of Aberdeen Academy. The school will be the new home for scholars and staff from Aberdeen Academy and Palmer Elementary starting with the 2027-28 school year.
Foundations are now finished, and structural steel framing for the second floor is complete. Crews have also begun block work for the gymnasium.
Designed to reflect the spirit of the Redhawk, the school’s mascot, the building will feature two classroom wings that extend from a central hub housing the gymnasium and cafeteria. Inside, warm, light wood tones will create a sense of stability and connection to nature, complemented by vibrant colors that spark creativity and energy.
Ottawa Hills High School
Significant renovations are underway at Ottawa Hills High School as the building prepares to welcome Alger Middle School scholars and staff this fall.
The first phase of construction includes a new middle school entrance, a dedicated drop-off and pickup area, a new cafeteria and kitchen, and upgraded HVAC systems. This portion of the project is expected to be completed by June, ensuring the building is ready for scholars and staff when the school year begins.
Additional improvements are also planned throughout the campus over the next year. These include a full renovation of the auditorium, upgrades to the pool, and a complete rebuild of the practice football field and track — enhancements that will benefit both middle and high school scholars for years to come.
New Home For Brookside Elementary
Construction is set to begin in June at Alger Middle School as the building is transformed into the future home of Brookside Elementary School.
The project will include converting existing classrooms to better support elementary learning. This work includes adding restrooms for pre-kindergarten classrooms, creating age-appropriate spaces designed to meet the needs of younger scholars.
Additional improvements throughout the building will include new interior flooring, fresh paint, and upgraded lighting to create bright, welcoming learning environments. HVAC upgrades are also planned to improve comfort and efficiency throughout the school.
Outdoor spaces will also see significant enhancements, with two new fully accessible playgrounds planned. In addition, the bus loop will be resurfaced to improve safety and accessibility for families, staff, and transportation services.
The building will reopen as an elementary school for the 2027–28 school year.
Innovation Central High School
Renovations are in the final stages at the historic Betty Bloomer Ford Auditorium inside Innovation Central High School.
Several major upgrades have now been completed, bringing the space closer to welcoming scholars and the community. New house lighting has been installed, along with brand-new seating to enhance comfort and visibility. Work continues on additional improvements, including the new rigging system and curtains.
With each milestone, the 1,000-seat auditorium is being transformed into a modern venue while preserving its historic character - creating an inspiring space for learning, creativity, and community events.
Kent Hills Elementary School
Big improvements are coming this summer at Kent Hills Elementary School as part of ongoing efforts to enhance learning environments for scholars and staff.
Upgrades include new lighting throughout the building, updated interior finishes, and renovations to restrooms. There will also be a new fully accessible playground, providing inclusive opportunities for play and physical activity for all scholars. This project will be completed in time for the start of school in August.
The updates build on improvements completed in the summer of 2025, which included a refinished parking lot to improve safety and accessibility for families, staff, and visitors.
New Southeast Environmental Science Academy
Exciting progress is underway for the new environmental science academy at Ken-O-Sha, marking a major step toward expanding hands-on learning opportunities for scholars on the southeast side of the city.
The project will fully renovate the building to bring together scholars and staff from Ken-O-Sha Park Elementary and Sherwood Park Global Studies Academy.
Crews have begun interior demolition as preparations continue to transform the space into the future Environmental Science Academy. The new environmental science academy will open for the 2027-28 school year.
New Playgrounds
Three additional schools will also receive new playgrounds this summer. Construction is planned at Cesar E. Chavez Elementary School, Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Academy, and Gerald R. Ford Academic Center. These new playgrounds are designed to be fully accessible, ensuring scholars of all abilities can safely participate in outdoor play and physical activity.
Accessible playgrounds include features such as inclusive play equipment, accessible surfaces, and thoughtfully designed spaces that encourage interaction, movement, and collaboration among all children.
The new playground at Gerald R. Ford Academic Center is made possible through a partnership with the Grand Rapids Public Schools Foundation.
Reimagine GRPS Dashboard
You can follow the progress of these projects and learn more about the Reimagine GRPS initiative by visiting grps.org/reimagine.