The Woodhaven-Brownstown School District celebrated an exciting milestone Tuesday evening, September 1, 2026 as community members, staff, families, Board of Education members, and former Superintendent Mark Greathead gathered to officially celebrate the completion of major improvements at Bates Elementary School and Gudith Elementary School.
“The two ribbon-cutting ceremonies showcased the incredible transformation made possible through the district’s voter-approved 2021 Bond Program,” said Superintendent Matthew Salah.. “From new learning spaces and SMART Labs to updated classrooms, renovated cafeterias, improved parking lots, and enhanced security features, the projects have created more modern, welcoming, and engaging environments for students and staff.”
Bates Elementary: New Spaces for Learning and Creativity
At Bates Elementary, visitors had the opportunity to see firsthand how the bond project has transformed both the inside and outside of the school.
One of the most noticeable changes is the brand-new front office addition, which creates a safer and more secure entrance for visitors while providing office staff with an improved space to welcome and assist students and families.
Bates also received new dedicated art and music rooms, giving students enhanced spaces to explore their creativity, make music, and develop their talents.
Throughout the building, classrooms received fresh paint and new flooring, creating brighter, cleaner, and more inviting learning environments. The school’s Learning Commons, formerly the Media Center, was also updated with a more modern design that provides students with space to read, learn, collaborate, and explore.
One of the most exciting additions is Bates’ new state-of-the-art SMART Lab. The hands-on learning environment gives students opportunities to use technology while exploring science, engineering, problem-solving, creativity, and STEM-based activities.
The improvements continued into the cafeteria, which received new flooring, fresh paint, and new refrigeration equipment to better support the school’s food service operations.
Outside, Bates received new exterior doors, improved parking lots, a new outdoor play pad, and a new walking path. Together, these improvements provide safer, more functional spaces for students, staff, families, buses, and the entire school community.
Gudith Elementary: A Transformation Throughout the School
The bond project at Gudith Elementary touched nearly every part of the building, creating a significant transformation for students, staff, and families.
A highlight of the project is the new four-classroom addition designed specifically for young five and kindergarten students. The updated classrooms provide modern learning spaces designed to better support the needs of the district’s youngest learners.
Gudith also welcomed a new state-of-the-art SMART Lab, last school year, giving students opportunities for hands-on learning, collaboration, technology, problem-solving, and STEM-based activities.
The school’s Learning Commons, formerly the Media Center, received a major renovation with new furniture and updated finishes. The flexible space now provides students with areas to read, collaborate, create, and learn together.
Every classroom throughout Gudith received new paint and carpeting, providing a fresh and updated environment throughout the school.
The cafeteria was also transformed with new furniture, updated finishes, and improvements to the kitchen and food service area, including new serving lines designed to improve the way meals are served to students.
The school’s Special Services wing was completely renovated, creating updated spaces to better serve students and staff. The area also received all new furniture.
Outside, Gudith received a new parking lot, a new basketball court, new exterior classroom doors, and a new gathering area for parents and families. These improvements enhance the appearance, functionality, safety, and overall experience of the school campus.
Investing in the Future of WBSD Students
The ribbon cuttings at Bates and Gudith are more than celebrations of new buildings and renovated spaces. They represent the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District’s continued investment in creating environments where students can Engage, Enlighten, and Empower.
The improvements made at both schools are designed to support the way students learn today while providing safe, welcoming, and engaging spaces that will serve generations of Warriors for years to come.
The district extends its sincere appreciation to the Woodhaven-Brownstown Board of Education, our community, staff, construction partners, and everyone who helped make these projects possible.
And, of course, the best part of these newly renovated schools is seeing them filled with the energy, curiosity, creativity, and excitement of our students.