24-04-2025
Flint among three districts receiving state grant to consolidate, modernize buildings
Flint Community Schools — once a district with dozens of school buildings — will go from 11 to 7 active school buildings using $35.9 million from a state grant program encouraging districts to consolidate, the Michigan Department of Education announced April 24.
The state granted $75 million to three districts including Flint to "modernize school buildings" and "reduce square footage," according to Michael Rice, state superintendent of schools. The three districts are Flint, North Central Area Schools in the Upper Peninsula and Union City Community Schools in the south central part of the state.
But based on application for the grant, the demand for money to consolidate and improve infrastructure is high: The state received requests for more than $626 million from schools, 51 applicants total.
'There is great demand for additional state funding to improve learning environments for our children,' Rice wrote in a news release.
The grant to Flint in particular is important. The district's enrollment has been on a downward slide for decades, leaving more and more school buildings abandoned throughout the long-embattled city. The school district's population has declined by nearly 3,600 students in nearly a decade — from 6,533 in the 2014-15 school year to 2,605 this school year, a 60% decline. The loss of students is more staggering looking further back: In the 2004-05 school year, 19,025 students attended Flint schools, according to state data.
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Flint Community Schools will use the money combined with funding from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation to close four buildings, while building a high school and upgrading existing buildings.
"These investments are not just about bricks and mortar," wrote Kevelin Jones, Flint Community Schools' superintendent. "They're about our children, our future, and our commitment to excellence. Flint scholars will have access to a state-of-the-art high school designed to support modern learning, expanded programming, and the success of every scholar."
Union City Community Schools will receive more than $23.6 million schools to go from three to two buildings, demolishing one and modernizing its elementary and high school facilities. And North Central will receive more than $15.4 million, according to the state, to consolidate to a single school building from two, investing in technology and other modernization efforts.
Advocates say Michigan schools desperately need money to improve facilities for student health and safety. A recent report commissioned by the state Legislature estimated $22.8 billion in repairs or renovations are needed.
Contact Lily Altavena: laltavena@
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: $75 million state grant will help three school districts consolidate
