Battle Creek Times

Battle Creek Public Schools issued the following announcement on Nov 3.

Battle Creek Public Schools (BCPS) is excited to announce that the $44.8 million bond measure to support the transformation of our middle schools passed yesterday! Thank you so much to the Vote Yes committee, teachers and staff, supportive parents, volunteers, and everyone else who made this bond proposal a success!

Since the district began this transformation process, BCPS has provided families with a wealth of options for their students, to match their interests and talents as they progress through their educational journeys. This bond measure is another step in the transformation of BCPS as a district, with more to come in the future.

Thanks to the passing of this bond measure:

• Northwestern will become a K-8 visual and performing arts academy fully equipped with studios for visual and performing arts, all new kindergarten classrooms, a brand new welcome center, auditorium and pool renovations, a digital graphics and video production lab, and more. We are proud that we’ll be able to provide a rich art educational experience for Northwestern students interested in the arts with opportunities to explore their passions through community performances, community arts, and community involvement.
• Springfield will continue its transformation into a service learning school, so students can prepare for success in college, career and our community! Through the service learning model, we’re excited for Springfield students to create stronger connections with their community, develop communication and problem-solving skills, promote empathy, and help them feel a sense of belonging.
• In addition, the bond will help fund necessary renovations at Northwestern and Springfield that include updates and upgrades to roofing, windows, doors, lighting, HVAC systems, facilities, security, and fire safety.

We plan to begin renovations and construction next fall and can’t wait for Northwestern and Springfield’s grand reopening in fall 2024! Both schools will stay open throughout construction, so student learning isn’t disrupted. A majority of the construction will be completed during the summer months.

When our schools are strong, our community is strong. Thank you to everyone who voted yesterday and for your continued support! We are proud to be a part of this community and have you as a part of our Bearcat family.

Check out battlecreekpublicschools.org/bond for more information on everything the bond measure will support! We will keep you updated on the progress of our middle school transformation.

Original source can be found here.