Starting with elementary schools, Utica Community Schools (UCS) allocated a sum of bond money towards rebuilding outdated infrastructures.
“A major focus of this bond issue has been to address the critical infrastructure and safety needs of our schools in a transformative way. Throughout the planning phase, our community was clear that they want this building program to be different,” Superintendent Robert Monroe said.
The goal is to provide the district’s students with a safe and positive environment. Through changes made in the rebuilding of schools, starting with DeKeyser Elementary, more interactive learning spaces will be developed for better learning experiences. Safety matters, such as addressing issues of the “open concept” floor plans of the buildings, was also emphasized in remodeling plans.
“In establishing priorities, safety remains the key factor in planning and timeline. Across the district, every building is receiving improvements to provide a safe and positive learning environment for our students and staff,” Monroe said.
As schools around the district receive a spruce, the timeline for the remodels will span over a 12-year building plan. The phases include: May 2024 – $130 million; May 2027 – $105 million; May 2030 – $105 million; May 2033 – $105 million; May 2036 – $105 million, according to Monroe.
“The document that is driving our planning is our UCS Empowered Strategic Plan adopted by our Board of Education in 2023. Not only does it guide our planning process for facility improvement, the plan presents a road map for every part of our district through its cultures of empowerment, caring and transformation,” Monroe said.
As most of the schools in the surrounding UCS district are over 50 years old, with these advancements toward restructuring schools, UCS takes big steps toward the future success of students.
“Whether in facility or program development, our strategic plan supports our work to ensure continuity in our K-12 programs where elementary schools create the foundation for success at our junior high and high school levels,” Monroe said. “Through these efforts, Utica Community Schools is united behind a single vision and mission.”
