Superintendent outlines bond project next steps, pre-bid for parent drop-off loop and former church property plans

Superintendent Dr. Soucek updated the board on bond-related facilities work, including early design work for the district's planned reuse of a former church property and a phased parent pickup/drop-off loop that will be put out to bid.

Architects from TowerPinkster and Skillman walked the former church property and are drafting design options the district says could include early childhood spaces, before- and after-care, a multipurpose room and space for the Alternative Learning Center. The superintendent said those initial concept options will be shared with the board and the community.

The board received an update on a parent pickup and drop-off loop project near the intermediate and primary schools. The work will be completed in two phases so the district can begin the portion nearer the intermediate and primary schools without waiting for Michigan Department of Transportation approvals tied to other portions of the project. A pre-bid meeting was held and the bid opening is scheduled for next week.

The superintendent also said she will meet with MDOT this week to review entry options from M-62 and that the district is monitoring the pre-bid results to avoid disruption to back-to-school schedules.

The board heard that the county-level CTE leadership team is exploring a hybrid model for Career and Technical Education across Cass County; district representatives will follow that planning.

No formal action was taken on the bond concepts during this meeting; the board will receive architect options and a timeline for public sharing in a future update.