Addressing Today’s Needs, Planning for Tomorrow
– A Plan Built with Community and Staff Input
Embedded Files
On August 4, 2026, voters will consider a bond proposal focused on renovating the 1966 portion of the elementary school, removing unused building areas, and addressing key facility and site needs.
Introduction Bond Video
Introduction Bond Video
– A plan that continues a long-standing school presence along M-115 –
– A plan that relocates drop-off/pick-up to the back of the building –
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Right-Sized Plan for Mesick
Right-Sized Plan for Mesick
Focuses on current facility needs that directly support Mesick students and the community
Reduces the building size by nearly half, removing the need to maintain unused space
Reflects community and staff input, to include keeping two separate school buildings
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Safe, Healthy, and Functional
Safe, Healthy, and Functional
Updates ventilation systems, lighting, ADA accessibility, and classrooms to current standards
Improves safety with a secure entrance and better traffic flow for drop-off and pick-up
Modifies space originally designed as a high school to better serve current elementary students
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Community Investment
Community Investment
Provides a local investment to maintain and protect school facilities we have built over time
Resets the millage to 3.8-mills, similar to 2015 level, well below 4.8-mills requested in 2018
Manages long-term costs by reducing building size, improving efficiency, and replacing outdated systems
What is the ballot question?
What is the ballot question?
Shall Mesick Consolidated Schools, Wexford and Manistee Counties, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Nineteen Million Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($19,300,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefor, in one or more series, for the purpose of:
remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing, and equipping and re-equipping school buildings, primarily the 1966 portion of the elementary building, which will include roof replacements, HVAC improvements, and the creation of a secure entryway; demolishing unused building sites; and developing, equipping, and improving playgrounds and sites?
Planned Improvements
Planned Improvements
The proposal focuses on the following facility and site improvements to the 1966 portion of the Floyd M. Jewett Elementary School.
Project Scope
Project Scope
Safety & Accessibility
Safety & Accessibility
New secure entrance with visitor check-in
ADA upgrades, including the building entrance and restrooms
Classroom & Interior Improvements
Classroom & Interior Improvements
Updated classroom elements, including doors, ceilings, lighting, windows, and casework
New flooring in classrooms and office areas
New furnishings and equipment
Student & Staff Spaces
Student & Staff Spaces
New front office
New cafeteria that can also be used as a flexible learning space
New kitchen
Building Systems & Infrastructure
Building Systems & Infrastructure
New roof
Updated HVAC systems and controls
New fire alarm system
Site & Outdoor Improvements
Site & Outdoor Improvements
Updated driveway and relocated drop-off/pick-up areas to back of the building
Relocated and updated playground
Removal of unused building areas
Conceptual Floor and Site Plans
Conceptual Floor and Site Plans
🔎 CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE
🔎 CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE
Did You Know?
Did You Know?
The elementary building would be reduced by nearly half—from about 81,678 to 46,000 square feet.
Currently, only about 47% of the building is used for instruction.
The 1966 building was selected as the most cost-effective option and already includes key spaces, like a gym, reducing the need for new construction.
Updated HVAC systems are expected to improve efficiency by about 25%.
Energy use is projected to decrease by around 20% with updated systems and a smaller building.
A smaller, more efficient building helps reduce ongoing utility and maintenance needs over time.
Traffic on M-115 has increased by 20–25% over time, with about 6,000–6,500 vehicles per day today.
The plan would move student drop-off and pick-up away from M-115 to improve safety.
A community-informed plan (community task force, staff and local surveys) focused on right-sized spaces, safe and functional learning environments, and a local investment in maintaining school facilities.
Currently, Mesick Consolidated School District does not have any outstanding bond debt or a sinking fund for facility improvements.
Currently, Mesick Consolidated School District does not have any outstanding bond debt or a sinking fund for facility improvements.
There is no 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. Facility improvements are largely left to the community.
Community Voice in the Plan
Community Voice in the Plan
The School Board worked to develop a proposal based on community input, identified facility needs, and financial considerations.
A 15-member Community Task Force (in picture), made up of parents, staff, and community members, met six times to review building conditions, district finances, and survey results, and to tour school facilities.
The district also gathered input through community surveys and public meetings. Together, this process helped shape a proposal that reflects local priorities and the needs of Mesick students, staff, and community.
MESICK COMMUNITY TASK FORCE
Join us for an informational Open House and learn more!
Join us for an informational Open House and learn more!
We’re excited to share more through our upcoming informational events being held at Floyd M. Jewett Elementary.
Learn more and make your plan to vote on or before Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
We will begin with a brief presentation at 6:30 PM, followed by a school tour and a Q&A opportunity.
Tuesday, June 23
Tuesday, June 23
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Floyd M. Jewett Elementary School
1936 Gym
Wednesday, July 29
Wednesday, July 29
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Floyd M. Jewett Elementary School
1936 Gym
How Did We Arrive at the Plan
How Did We Arrive at the Plan
A look at the steps, input, and planning that led to the August 2026 bond referendum
A look at the steps, input, and planning that led to the August 2026 bond referendum
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September 2025
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September 2025
Comprehensive Facilities Assessment conducted by SitelogIQ, the district's facility planning partner, to assess physical, educational, and functional needs
First all community meeting to introduce facility planning to the community
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October 2025
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October 2025
Facility Assessment review is presented to School Board and district administration
Second all community meeting – Facility Assessment review is presented to the community
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November 2025
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November 2025
First community-wide survey is taken by 206 residents – results presented to Board
Community Task Force process begins, 15 residents meet 6 times to review school finances, facility assessments, survey results, and tour buildings
Facility planning website launched to keep community informed of the process, including survey results and task force meetings
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January 2026
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January 2026
Task Force makes a facility recommendation to the School Board
District staff participates in a facility workshopping session
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February 2026
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February 2026
Second community-wide survey was taken by 352 residents – results presented to Board
Third all community meeting – community-wide survey results and Task Force recommendation presented to the community
School Board has a comprehensive review including prioritizations, project scenarios, and potential costs
School Board begins the workshopping process
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March-April 2026
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March-April 2026
School Board has multiple workshopping sessions
School Board unanimously approves a resolution to place a bond proposal on the August 4th ballot
Questions?
Questions?
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