“I truly believe that today is one of the most significant days of our district in the 150 plus years of Grand Rapids Public Schools.”
That’s GRPS Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby speaking at the groundbreaking event. The new $36 million elementary school will combine students and staff from Aberdeen Academy and Palmer elementary when it opens in northeast Grand Rapids in 2027.
Former GRPS board member Mayor David LaGrand says the new building constructed behind the original Aberdeen Academy sends a clear message to students.
“I’ve been in some schools, and I look around and I think, ‘The central message of this building is we don’t really care about you that much.’ This is going to show 400 students in our school district that we love them.”
The school’s mascot, the Redhawk, will be incorporated throughout the building, featuring two classroom wings extending from a central hub housing a gymnasium and cafeteria.
State Representative Stephen Wooden, who once lived near Aberdeen, says the budget passed by the Michigan legislature will help more students achieve success.
“We are also increasing funding for at-risk students by 25% so that no students, past or present, dictates their future. And last but not least, we got universal school meals back in the budget.”
The project is being funded by the Reimagine GRPS with Us bond passed by voters in 2023.
Renderings can be found here.
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