There is no dedicated state funding for school infrastructure in Michigan.
Schools can use their existing funds to pay for building upgrades but that takes away money from the classroom and students.
School facilities are owned locally, not by the state or federal government, and are considered community assets. Because of this, responsibility for maintaining and improving school buildings rests with the local community—similar to homes and other local properties, major repairs are handled by the owners.
As a result, larger projects—such as roof replacements, HVAC systems, and renovations—are most often funded through voter-approved bonds.
The proposal focuses on improving the portion of the building, the 1966 section, that best supports long-term school use. Other areas, that may be newer, would be difficult and costly to update to current standards.
Converting school space into housing or retail would require major renovations, code updates, and private investment. These types of projects are not something the school district would manage or fund.
The district also needs to retain the site for current operations and potential future needs. Keeping the space available helps maintain flexibility and supports day-to-day school use.
The 1986 addition was built for classroom space but includes narrow hallways, smaller classrooms, and bathrooms that do not meet current accessibility standards. It also does not have modern ventilation systems.
The 1966 portion includes key spaces like the gym and office, along with primary electrical and mechanical systems. It was identified as the most cost-effective section to update and best suited to support an elementary school.
Community members and staff have shared concerns about the care and upkeep of school assets and protecting taxpayers’ investment in them.
Those concerns helped shape a proposal designed with long-term stewardship in mind—renovating and updating existing elementary spaces, reducing the amount of building space to be maintained, and replacing aging systems.
Along with updating the building, the district remains committed to facility planning, oversight, care, and supporting the staff responsible for maintaining these community assets.
Yes. The current floor plans and renderings are conceptual. If approved, staff and users will be involved in the design process to help ensure spaces support day-to-day learning and operations.
Highpoint Virtual School will be relocated to the high school, and the preschool program will be located at Floyd M. Jewett Elementary School. Specific locations will be finalized during the design process.
The funding from our school forest, interest from the original gas and oil lease in the 1980's, and the proceeds from timber sales go directly into our capital projects fund. These funds have been recently used to replace the Jr/Sr High School boiler system, renovate the playground structures, and purchase a new bus.