plans for the zero-bond increase funds
The 2018-23 Strategic Plan, available on the district website, outlines improvement projects like paving and roofing, HVAC installation and upgrades, an improved aquatic facility, new athletic facilities including turfed athletic fields, and district-wide comfortable, innovative classroom furniture. The plan was written by more than 100 Grand Blanc Schools staff and students, community members, and business owners. Your money is in good hands... the district does not take your support for granted and stretches every dollar to its fullest potential value.
infrastructure/hvac
Air conditioning will be added to buildings that don't currently have it. Some electrical, roofing and mechanical systems need to be upgraded to achieve the HVAC upgrades. This is crucial if we spread any further into the warmer months for a balanced calendar. There are always a few weeks where it's pretty uncomfortable in those buildings already.
Paving projects are expensive as well. Jewett Trail is a private road that will need to be repaved, and some of our parking lots are in need of new paving. This bond will allow us to expand parking lots at the high school, as well.
Roof replacements will be done. People sometimes ask, "What about the Sinking Fund... shouldn't that pay for this kind of stuff?" It does, and it's vital for our schools to stay in good shape. However, for example, one roof will cost $3 million to replace. The sinking fund millage brings in about $1 million per year. A bond is really the only way to get these very large ticket items accomplished in a timely manner.
Along with HVAC and roofing, mechanical and electrical upgrades will be made along with new ceilings and lighting in some buildings.
Flexible Furniture
District-wide comfortable, cleanable, maneuverable "flexible furniture" - that's over 400 classrooms in the district! Education today looks different, and so should the furniture! Students are collaborating, presenting to their peers and working on devices... and classrooms have not been modified to fit lesson plans.
NEW ATHLETIC FACILITIES INCLUDING AQUATIC CENTER
GBHS currently uses two pools - one at east campus (built in 1963) and one at west (1975). Neither serves our athletic teams or physical education classes well. Locker rooms are outdated and seating for spectators is not big enough or providing a good view of competitions. Our dive wells are not deep enough for large competition and our pool deck areas are not big enough for multiple teams. Our pools are also not the correct format for our water polo teams. The mechanical equipment is aging, rusted and requiring more energy and maintenance than ever.
After consultation with pool and construction experts, administrators learned that closing both pools and building an entirely new building was the most economical way to proceed. After exploration of remodeling and expanding the pool area at High School west, it was obvious that the new facility was going to cost LESS than remodeling the current pool to meet the needs of today.
RENDERINGS OF NEW AQUATIC FACILITY: (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
The new Grand Blanc Athletic Complex would consist of the new aquatic building, a new stadium, and new artificial turf on multiple fields (including the baseball, softball and a new band practice field).
CURRENT POOLS AT GBHS
ATHLETIC CENTER RENDERINGS: (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
Don Batchelor Field was named in honor of a former Bobcats football coach, and previously served as the football field until 1977. The bond funds a new stadium in that area adjacent to the new aquatic facility with which it would share all new concessions, bathrooms, and team rooms. The stadium would provide a secured community space for food trucks and gatherings, as well. New concessions and bathroom facilities will also be located between the track/soccer field (Frank Thomas, formerly football stadium now grass soccer/multipurpose/track and field) and the softball/baseball fields.
