Grand Rapids — The new Southeast Career Pathways alternative high school is ready to welcome students when the 2025-26 school year kicks off.
For the past year, the district has been working to relocate the school from its previous home on Jefferson Avenue to the former Sigsbee Elementary building at 1250 Sigsbee St. SE. The process required around $7 million in building upgrades, which constitute the first major bond-funded renovation project of the “Reimagine GRPS With Us!” facilities realignment plan.
The building now boasts a secure entrance, air conditioning, larger windows, collaborative spaces, a resurfaced parking lot, new signage and more. It includes five classrooms, plus two computer labs and a teaching lab.
During a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house, the district unveiled the new Southeast to the community.
“We believe that this transformation is going to create more than just a space of learning — it’s going to create spaces that are going to launch our scholars to new heights, and we are so looking forward to seeing them walk through these doors,” said Alex Smart, executive director of facilities and operations for GRPS, in remarks to those gathered at the ribbon cutting.
‘This project is exactly what we’re talking about when we talk about reimagining GRPS.’
— Superintendent Leadriane Roby
GRPS Superintendent Leadriane Roby said the renovations are emblematic of the push to “reimagine” the district — taking an underutilized facility and turning it into something inspiring.
“This project is exactly what we’re talking about when we talk about reimagining GRPS,” Roby said. “We are proud to celebrate the transformational investment in our Southeast Career Pathways program. …
“All of our scholars, including those at Southeast Career Pathways, deserve a learning environment that is inspiring and bright, and encourages you to show up as your best self.”
The new school’s “bright, welcoming classrooms will come to life with our young people” once school gets underway, Roby said.
After the ribbon cutting, the doors opened and community members walked the halls of the school, taking in what it has to offer.
Roby told SNN that the school’s collaborative spaces are one of the features she’s most proud of.
“I think that speaks to how we expect our young people to be able to connect and share ideas and have an opportunity to work together,” she said, adding that she’s also always excited about secure entryways and new HVAC systems.
Roby said the Southeast Career Pathways program is vital because it gives students who may have fallen behind in traditional high-school settings a chance to get back on track.
“It’s important, not only to our young people but to the community as a whole,” Roby said. “I’m excited to see the first day of school, as young people are starting to come into the building.”
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