Flint school board approves schematic-design oversight for proposed Central-Whittier high school campus

The Flint Board of Education voted unanimously to approve action item 21.8, authorizing schematic-design oversight to advance plans for a consolidated Flint Community Schools middle–high campus at the Flint Central and Whittier site.

Community members filled the board meeting to urge preservation of historic buildings, traffic planning and formal neighborhood representation in the design process. “I tentatively would like to support this,” said Nick Custer, a third‑generation resident of the Central Park neighborhood, adding that neighbors should be included on an advisory committee so future designs “are good neighbors instead of agitated neighbors.”

Board members and district leaders framed the decision as the next step in a larger consolidation plan and state funding process. Superintendent Jones told the board the district submitted a “12‑d application” to seek state funding and to position the project for additional match funding. Plant Moran was selected to serve as the project manager/consultant providing schematic‑design oversight.

The motion authorizes Plant Moran’s project management services with an up‑front project management and review (PMR) fee of roughly $120,000 (described in the meeting as $15,000 per month). The board discussed a split in initial payments: $50,000 from the Mott Foundation and $70,000 from Flint Community Schools’ general fund as a show of local investment. Superintendent Jones said the district will use available fund balance to cover its portion.

Speakers at the meeting repeatedly urged the board to preserve historic materials and facades of Flint Central. Joel Arnold, a real‑estate developer and former resident near the site, said the campus “is next door to a community college, next door to the largest cultural center in our state,” and argued that reuse of existing structures would send a public message about local ownership. Several residents, including Sarah Scheitler and Andrew Watchhorn, requested meaningful neighborhood input and cautioned about traffic and construction impacts on adjacent streets.

Board members responded that neighborhood associations already are involved in related projects (for example, the Brownell Homes cube project) and that committee membership will include neighborhood representatives going forward. Trustee Luna noted the site’s central location as an equity and access advantage, while other trustees emphasized balancing preservation with modern facilities.

Board members asked for clarifications about Plant Moran’s role and oversight. Superintendent Jones said Plant Moran will serve as the district’s project manager/single point of contact to streamline communications between the board, administration, neighborhood committees and design teams. Plant Moran will present once during the schematic design phase, the superintendent said; the firm will also support community engagement work, surveys and programming discussions.

The board approved the motion by roll call, with all seven members voting yes. Several trustees said they view the vote as starting the community process, not a final design decision. Trustee McIntyre said the project “democratizes” the cultural campus and makes institutions accessiblе for all Flint residents; other trustees reiterated commitments to preserve as much of the Central building material as possible.

The project now moves into schematic design and community engagement phases. District officials said they will present a programming timeline to neighborhood groups and that the R4 committee will include a representative from the Central Park Neighborhood Association.

Votes at a glance • Action Item 21.8 — Proposal for schematic design oversight (Plant Moran): Motion approved by roll call, 7 yes, 0 no. • Funding for PMR fee: initial split noted in discussion — $50,000 from Mott Foundation, $70,000 from district general fund (district to use fund balance).