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Superintendent unveils five-option MGT facility master plan that could close or consolidate schools
Summary
The superintendent presented a 163‑page MGT facility master plan that projects steep enrollment declines, low building utilization and five scenarios ranging from full renovation to targeted consolidation; the superintendent recommended a scenario that would close several buildings and seek $5.6 million in renovations while preserving a Calonia presence.
The superintendent presented a five-scenario facility master plan from consultant MGT and urged the board to adopt a course of action soon to avoid further financial strain.
The presentation cited declining enrollment and underused buildings, saying the district had 2,439 students in 2014 and is “projected to drop to 849 by 2033,” and that current building use is about 29% and could fall to about 18%. The superintendent said the district has invested in repairs but still faces substantial deferred needs.
The plan offered five scenarios with estimated renovation costs and projected utilization. Scenario 1 (renovate all buildings) was estimated at about $12 million and would still leave roughly 22% utilization. Scenario 2 (convert to two buildings, a PK–8 and a 9–12) was presented with an estimated cost of roughly $9.6 million and higher utilization. Scenario 3 would create separate K–5 and 6–12 campuses while closing several buildings at an estimated $7 million cost and would raise utilization toward 60%. The superintendent described a preferred Scenario 5 that would preserve a presence in Calonia, relocate kindergarten to Prospect, move grades over a staged multi-year timeline and close or repurpose Mayfair and Superior; that option was estimated at about $5.6 million in renovation costs.
“None of them are easy decisions,” the superintendent told the board, noting that MGT also conducted community surveys and that 60% of surveyed stakeholders “supported building consolidation.” The superintendent said next steps would include a board vote to adopt one scenario and detailed planning to manage transitions.
Board members asked how closed buildings would be handled; the superintendent said closed sites would be placed in district warehousing and retained as district property unless sold under applicable law. Trustees pressed for timely decisions so that residents and staff would have adequate notice if closures proceed.
Public commenters at the meeting urged caution. A dance instructor from the Superior School of the Performing Arts asked the board to explore all options to keep the program and building open, saying enrollment and program success justified additional consideration.
The board did not vote on a scenario at the meeting; the superintendent asked the trustees to review the MGT report, which the board placed on a future work-session and regular-meeting timeline for decision.
