Principal
Title IX Coordinator
Talent Management
Mr. Steve Graetz is the Principal at Homestead Hills Elementary. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Spring Arbor University in 2001 and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership through Grand Valley State University in 2012. He began his career in public education in Michigan in 2001 as a teacher in Jackson and later in Big Rapids and Baldwin.
Mr. Graetz came to Benzie Central in 2012 to serve as Principal at Betsie Valley Elementary in Thompsonville. Beginning in 2014, he held a dual role as Platte River Elementary Principal and Benzie Central 6th grade Principal in Honor until the Platte River School closed in 2017. Mr. Graetz was then tapped to lead the District’s Athletic Program and again held a dual role as AP/AD at Benzie High School and Benzie Middle School. In 2021, Graetz became Building Principal at Crystal Lake Elementary until it was closed in 2023. In addition to leading Homestead Hills Elementary, Mr. Graetz serves the District as both the Title IX Coordinator and Talent Management Coordinator.
Steve enjoys leading an active lifestyle and following the Michigan Wolverines Football and Basketball teams. He grew up working alongside the groundskeeper on a golf course and still enjoys playing golf at Michigan’s many beautiful courses, as well as downhill skiing. He and his wife, Jill, have four children – Anderson (17), Oliver (15), Ellery (13), and Isaiah (11), all of whom attend Benzie Central Schools. Their family is involved in Cross Country, Basketball, Band, Soccer, Track & Field, Baseball, and Skiing. During the summer, when they’re not reading in a hammock, sitting by a campfire, or traveling, they can be found on their pontoon, at a beach, on a hike, or riding bikes.
Mr. Graetz is deeply committed to the work of leading Homestead Hills Elementary and partnering with the school’s staff and the wonderful surrounding community to ensure a high quality education is provided for your family.
