UCS Means Success: Al Block, Local Realtor and UCS Parent

I have experienced Utica Community Schools as both a Realtor and parent. I have worked as a realtor in this area my entire adult life. My wife and I live in Shelby Township, and we have two sons who have graduated from the district and one son who at Eisenhower High School.

When I first became a Realtor 25 years ago, Utica Community Schools was one of those districts that agents frequently discussed in our office. As Realtors, we are unable to suggest one community over another, but Utica Community Schools was often the topic of shop talk and there was always positive feedback about the quality of the schools.

Realtors use statistical information to share the strengths of a community with prospective buyers. The information we provide on Utica Community Schools has always shown a high level of student achievement. Public opinion on the district has been very high, and often prospective buyers will ask me to search for homes within the boundaries of communities based on their views of school quality.

Many feel that schools impact property values. If schools are doing well, then property values are strong. There are a lot of factors that go into the final choice of a home, such as schools, parks and work location. Utica Community Schools has always been a positive factor for my buyers.

On a personal level, my wife and I have been extremely happy with the district. We find a lot of talk about the importance of college in our schools. I went to a private high school in a different community. What I experience and what I see going in our schools are very similar to the program I received in a college prep school.

I feel that college culture is one of the things that makes us unique. You see it by the statistical information - the high graduation rate and the number of students going on to postsecondary education. I have also seen how the importance of post-secondary experiences stressed in UCS has impacted my own sons, two of which are now in college.