Board delays decision on former administration building to May 2026 amid community redevelopment interest

The Rochester Community Schools Board of Education voted 5-2 to postpone action on the district's former administration building until May 2026, giving a community group time to prepare a formal proposal to repurpose the property into a community center.

Robert Bloomingdale, a long-time district resident and organizer of a community team, told the board his group is developing a plan to "repurpose the old admin building into a community center" serving Rochester, Rochester Hills and Oakland Township and asked the board to "provide a place for us on your agenda for February 23" for a full presentation. He also asked the board to refrain from taking action on the building while the group develops its proposal.

Trustees debated whether continued postponement was responsible given the building's condition and the superintendent's earlier recommendation to sell. Supporters of postponing argued it would allow the district to consider community-led options aligned with strategic planning (including possible IB or gifted programming) and to allow time for an RFP or competitive bids; opponents said the board had delayed past reasonable timelines and asked for a firm last extension.

After discussion, the board voted to postpone consideration of the building until May 2026; the chair recorded a 5-2 vote. Trustees said they would consider competitive proposals at a later date and encouraged the community group to present concrete plans and to pursue competitive bids if ready.

The motion preserves the district's flexibility while creating a short-term window for public engagement. No sale or transfer occurred; trustees indicated they expect follow-up presentations and potential RFP processes before any final action.