Keeping a Strong Foundation during reconstruction

We recognize that there is often sadness coupled with excitement in the reconstruction of an elementary school. 

A UCS school building is more than the facility where our students go to learn. It is a place where school communities are form

ed and memories are built.

As we look to reconstruct schools, it is important to note that we are working within the foundation of our schools. It is the footprint of the buildings that we are redesigning to improve safety and further support academic achievement. 

Our current reconstruction plans include DeKeyser Elementary for this fall, Graebner Elementary in 2026 and Havel Elementary for 2027.

On a practical level, using the existing foundation gives us the opportunity to make the needed improvements in a single school year. It means that we can limit the relocation of school communities while the work takes place.

We also are able to extend the impact of the bond issue through a savings of approximately a third of the building costs – or roughly $14 million. This savings is put back into our building program to meet the needs across our district. This innovative approach shows how we are meeting our community’s expectations that resources effectively support students and staff.

At a larger level, keeping this foundation in place is also symbolic of the legacy of these schools. The heart of the school that has supported these communities for the past 50 or more years – the outside brick and mortar, roof and steel – remains in place.

This bond issue gives us the ability to get started on a long-range plan for every elementary school in our district.  We will be able to share more planning during the course of this school year.

But even as we update our schools and look to the future, we recognize that Utica Community Schools is a place where history and legacy matter. Through reconstruction, we are making sure that the foundation which supported generations of students will stand strong for another 50 plus years. 

UHS jazz band earns invite to Detroit Jazz Festival

Utica High School has received a special invitation to perform at the 2025 Detroit Jazz Festival. 

Based on the top honors the band received at the state jazz festival, the 20-member unit will perform Saturday, August 30^th at 1:30 p.m. in the Campus Martius Park at 800 Woodward Ave. in front of the Compuware Building.  The band is under the direction of teacher Brett Bays. MORE. 

UCS team takes national title in robotics competition

Two Utica Community Schools 2025 graduates were named national champions in a robotics and automation problem-solving competition that featured top students from across 24 states.

Niken Patel and Logan Lawler, a team from the Utica Center for Science and Industry (CSI), earned first place in the SkillsUSA competition in late June. This is the second year of a CSI team earning a national title in the competition. MORE. 

Schuchard music teacher is part of first U.S. brass band invited to international competition

Utica Community Schools teacher Tyler Schreiber is putting the district on an international map in a whole new way.

Schreiber, who has taught music at Schuchard Elementary for the past two years, is part of the first American brass band to take part in the Swiss Open Competition in Switzerland this Fall. MORE. 

“Game changer” audiovisual system among new technology going online for UCS students

A new audiovisual system is among a series of technology projects already making a difference in Utica Community Schools classrooms.

The system – comprised of new projection, camera and voice amplification equipment – was installed at all secondary schools last year, courtesy of the 2023 Safety and Success Bond Issue. Installation is beginning this summer at elementary schools. MORE. 

Legacy of Excellence Awards recognized nationally with top award

The Legacy of Excellence Awards hosted by Utica Community Schools in September of 2024 was recognized by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) with the organization’s top award. NSPRA’s Golden Achievement Award recognizes outstanding, strategic work in all aspects of school public relations, communication, marketing and engagement.

UCS hosted its first Legacy of Excellence Awards program in 2024, accepting nominations in the spring and hosting the Legacy of Excellence Awards Celebration in the fall. The program will be organized biannually with the next cycle brought forth in 2026.   MORE. 

Hey Now! You're an All Star!

Congratulations to the D1 All Star Red team and their 6-0 win led by Coach Matt Joseph!

UCS Champions - 2025 Retirees

Eisenhower Girls Tennis earns State Runner-Up title for second year

An exceptional year of tennis concluded at the 2025 MHSAA Finals Tournament with Eisenhower High School earning the runner-up spot, merely one point shy of the state champion Northville team.

“I am really proud of our kids,”, said Eisenhower co-head coach Kevin Donahue. “They were so consistent throughout the season and in the finals. This team was excellent against a schedule as tough as any in the state.” MORE. 

Travel Changes Lives

UCS educators and former students went on a nine-day trip to Egypt. The group had lessons/demonstrations in papyrus making and painting, alabaster carving, Egyptian cooking and carpet making. The visit also included a trip to a Nubian village and to enjoy tea and snacks and tours of homes, camel rides, and stops at tombs, temples and a mosque. The group danced and sang with Nubian musicians, experienced different types of transportation and made new friends and thousands of memories.

State School Budget Interview