UCS begins third elementary reconstruction project at Havel

The third UCS elementary school reconstruction project is now officially underway.

UCS and school officials held a groundbreaking ceremony earlier this summer to begin a year-long reconstruction of Havel Elementary.

“Havel Elementary is the next step toward realizing our long-range vision of how our elementary schools will support innovation and student achievement,” Superintendent Robert S. Monroe said.

Havel Elementary’s reconstruction is being funded by a Safety and Success bond issue approved by voters in 2023. Havel Elementary students and staff will be temporarily relocated to Rose Kidd Elementary during the 2026-2027 school year to allow the construction to take place.

The reconstruction project for Havel will result in improved safety with multiple layers of entry points that can be locked down in the event of an emergency, professional learning communities for large and small group instruction, classrooms that provide teachers state of the art technology and designs that allow for flexibility of instruction.

“These wonderful changes would not be possible without the bold vision of our district leadership, the unwavering support of our Board of Education and unity of our Havel community,” said Havel Elementary Principal Jennie Blair.

Havel Elementary is the third elementary reconstruction project in

Utica Community Schools. DeKeyser Elementary opened in August, 2025 and Graebner Elementary will have its ribbon cutting on August 30.

Other ongoing projects recently funded by the bond issue include:

• Safety improvements throughout the district, including replacement of select doors and hardware, installation of shatter resistant glass, and parking lot improvements. In addition, interior walls were constructed at elementary schools with “open concept” designs.
• Improvements to athletic facilities, including new turf softball and baseball fields at Henry Ford II and Eisenhower high schools, renovation to Swinehart Field, and new tennis courts, softball and baseball fields for Stevenson High School at 16 Mile and Dodge Park.
• Technology enhancements, including interactive projection systems.
• Replacement of playground equipment at elementary schools.

For more information on the bond issue, please visit http://www.uticak12.org/safetyandsuccess.

Source: Utica Community Schools
Superintendent Robert S. Monroe
Http://www.uticak12.org