Anchor Bay superintendent reports favorable bid activity and rising elementary enrollment tied to bond planning

Superintendent Phil Jankowski told the Anchor Bay School District Board on Dec. 10 that the district held bid openings that day for the next major phase of bond construction, including work at Ashley, Aldert and Bridal School South, and that "the preliminary numbers are pretty good right now." He said staff will review bids over the next few weeks to ensure alignment with project scope.

Jankowski outlined a multi‑phase plan that will include work at McCants, Lighthouse, McDonald and finishing the early childhood center at Bridal School South. He said the district is planning redistricting for 2027 and that the bond work will be phased to support that timeline.

The superintendent also flagged an unexpected rise in elementary enrollment and reported the district serves about 240 four‑year‑olds in the state preschool program. "This was something...this has been a good surprise," he said, adding that three‑year‑old preschool expansion is being piloted and remains dependent on state budget and seat releases. He said Lighthouse could temporarily house preschool programs depending on approvals and enrollment trends.

Jankowski cautioned that guideline changes mean bringing some buildings back online (for example, McDonald) may require additional upgrades — such as voice fire‑alarm systems — before they can reopen as schools. Administrators said the building committee will meet in January to review bids and next steps.