Three Michigan School Districts Will Consolidate, Modernize with Grant Funds

Flint, Union City, North Central Awarded $75 Million

LANSING – Three Michigan school districts are being awarded a total of $75 million in consolidation grants by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) that will allow the districts to more efficiently use their resources to educate children and improve school infrastructure.

The districts are Flint Community Schools in Genesee County, North Central Area Schools in Menominee County, and Union City Community Schools in Branch and Calhoun counties.

The grant awards come in the wake of a recently released School Finance Research Foundation study that found Michigan needs a nearly $23 billion investment to carry out much-needed infrastructure work in schools across the state over 10 years.

“These consolidation grants will be transformative for the three local school districts by helping to modernize school buildings, reduce square footage, and better meet the needs of their students and staffs,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice. “Thanks to this funding from the state legislature and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, children will experience better learning environments and districts will be able to spend their funds more efficiently. The School Finance Research Foundation study and the large number of districts that applied for the consolidation grants demonstrate the great demand for addressing Michigan school infrastructure.”

Demand far exceeded the $75 million appropriated, an illustration of the need for additional funding for school consolidation and infrastructure projects. Fifty-one applicants requested more than $626 million.

Funds come from Section 12d in a state fiscal year 2024 supplemental package that passed in conjunction with the fiscal year 2025 budget.

The three districts that were awarded the competitive grant dollars are dealing with declining enrollment and aging school buildings.

Flint, which is receiving more than $35.9 million, plans to reduce the number of active school buildings from 11 to seven by closing four underutilized facilities and maximizing the use of the remaining schools. The district will build a state-of-the-art high school to centralize secondary education and invest in significant upgrades for existing buildings.

"The opportunity to receive funding from both the Consolidated Infrastructure Grant from MDE and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation represents a historic moment for Flint Community Schools," said Superintendent Mr. Kevelin Jones. "These investments are not just about bricks and mortar. 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. This is more than a building. It's a beacon of hope and possibility for our entire community.”

Union City, which is receiving more than $23.6 million, will consolidate three school buildings into two by renovating the elementary and high school facilities and demolishing the middle school. The district plans to modernize existing facilities to improve educational outcomes, enhance safety and security, and reduce long-term costs.

“We are extremely excited that this grant will enable us to provide tremendous opportunities for our students and their futures,” said Superintendent Mr. Chris Katz. “The ability to keep our students safe and secure while also improving our aging facilities makes this a game-changing moment for our district and our entire community. We love our small-town atmosphere. These funds coupled with additional dollars from our voters will put us in a strong position for many years to come.”

North Central, which is receiving more than $15.4 million, will consolidate operations from two buildings to one to create a state-of-the-art learning environment. The project will include investments in technology, flexible classroom spaces, and modern amenities that support innovative teaching and learning. It also includes addressing structural issues such as the roof, heating systems, and windows.

“On behalf of North Central Area Schools, I want to thank the Michigan Department of Education for awarding us the Section 12d Internal Consolidation Grant,” said Superintendent Dr. Travis Depuydt. “The partnership with MDE underscores our shared dedication to quality education and secures a lasting legacy of success and stability for our students, staff, and community.”

The School Finance Resource Foundation study shows that further investments in infrastructure are critically important, Dr. Rice said.

“There is great demand for additional state funding to improve learning environments for our children,” he said. “The investments in Flint, North Central, and Union City will benefit those communities for decades. We urge the legislature to appropriate additional dollars to address school facility needs and encourage school districts to consolidate when it makes sense for children.”

With more modern and more efficient facilities, the consolidation of schools and the improvement of infrastructure help meet every one of the eight goals in Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan—from improving early literacy achievement to improving the health, safety, and wellness of all learners.

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