Principal
Mr. Steve Graetz is the Principal at Homestead Hills Elementary
Mr. Graetz earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and English at Spring Arbor University in 2001 and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership through Grand Valley State University in 2012. He began his public school teaching career in 2001 as a computer/technology teacher in Jackson and later in Big Rapids.
Mr. Graetz was the Principal at Platte River Elementary in Honor from 2014 until it closed in 2017. He has also served as Principal at Betsie Valley Elementary in Thompsonville in 2012 and 2013. He taught all subjects in a self-contained 7th grade classroom in Big Rapids from 2003-2009, and English and Social Studies at Baldwin Middle School from 2009-2012.
Steve enjoys leading an active and healthy lifestyle, playing soccer in college and running competitively. He grew working alongside the groundskeeper on a golf course and still enjoys playing golf at Michigan’s many beautiful courses, as well as downhill skiing and ice hockey.
He and his wife, Jill, have four children – Anderson (15), Oliver (13), Ellery (11), and Isaiah (9), all of whom attend Benzie Central Schools. Their family is involved in Cross Country, Basketball, Band, Choir, Robotics, Baseball, Softball, 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, or riding bikes. In the winter, they’re building forts, skiing at Crystal Mountain, completing a puzzle, or playing a board game at the dining room table.
Mr. Graetz is deeply committed to the work of leading Crystal Lake Elementary and partnering with the school’s staff and the wonderful surrounding community to ensure a high quality education is provided for your family.
