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Board accepts $750,000 Mott Foundation schematic‑design grant, highlights Brownell STEM early‑childhood pilot
Summary
The board unanimously approved acceptance of a $750,000 schematic‑design grant from the Mott Foundation for a new Central high school and discussed the recently opened Brownell Holmes STEM campus serving early‑childhood through eighth grade.
The Flint Board of Education voted unanimously to accept a $750,000 schematic‑design grant from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation to begin community planning and schematic design work for a new Central high school. The 7–0 vote authorizes district leaders to proceed with community engagement and schematic design, including neighborhood input on preservation of historical elements and reuse of materials.
Secretary Perkins and Superintendent Jones described the grant as the next step in a community‑led planning process. Community leaders and neighborhood association representatives told the board they want the new building to preserve some elements of the old Central campus while delivering modern, safe learning spaces.
The board also reviewed progress at the Brownell Holmes STEM campus, which Superintendent Jones and early‑childhood director Latasha Wilson said now offers a seamless pathway on one campus from 6 weeks of age through eighth grade. Wilson said her classrooms were full after opening earlier this year and that community partners and neighborhood association members had been integral to the planning and programming.
Karma Lewis of Flint Neighborhoods United, who spoke to the board, called the scheme “brand new” in spirit and encouraged community engagement in the design process. The board said neighborhood groups will be part of the schematic design process and that the administration will return with community‑based plans and options.
The schematic‑design grant acceptance was presented as a resolution to the board. Trustees emphasized that the board will retain oversight and approve final design and construction steps as they return to the board for subsequent votes.
Ending: The board’s acceptance of the schematic‑design grant begins a community engagement and design phase. Trustees said they expect the district to return with community input, cost estimates and recommended timelines before approving any construction contracts.
