Grand Rapids — Grand Rapids Public Schools is moving forward with a plan to erect its first new building in Northeast Grand Rapids since 1965.
The Board of Education has unanimously approved a proposal to build a new elementary school at the site of the current Aberdeen Academy, 928 Aberdeen St. NE.
The new school is slated to open in 2027 and will replace Aberdeen and Palmer elementaries, which will both close that year as part of a reconsolidation effort outlined in the “Reimagine GRPS With Us!” facilities master plan.
“This is great news for our scholars on the northeast side who will enjoy the benefits of a brand new space,” Superintendent Leadriane Roby said in a statement from the district.
When the new school opens, the current Aberdeen building will be demolished and converted into green space for the neighborhood, according to the statement.
Construction of the new school will be funded using dollars from the district’s $305 million bond, approved by voters in November 2023.
The district said no layoffs will occur as a result of the Aberdeen closure, and that the planned building closures will save millions in maintenance costs for underutilized spaces.
With an approved plan for academic facilities now fully in place, GRPS stated it will now turn its attention to non-academic buildings as reconsolidation planning continues.
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