East Lansing board hears detailed update on bond-funded high school addition and new administration building

At its Nov. 11 meeting the East Lansing Board of Education received a detailed presentation on work under the 2024 safety, security and accessibility bond, including schematic designs for a high school addition and renderings for a new central administration building on Tower Avenue.

Superintendent Leo described the high school addition as focused on security and accessibility, with a new identifiable secure entrance and vestibule that includes a dedicated space for a door monitor and flexible key-card access. Leo said the design includes several lock-down buttons and layered access so visitors must be screened in the reception area before entering hallways.

The presentation called for interior ramps connecting the new entrance to an expanded cafeteria and added circulation; designers also proposed a “learning stair,” a stepped seating area intended for student gatherings and displays of student work. The plan retains the school’s existing elevator for accessibility, while acknowledging elevator upgrades are not finalized and could depend on remaining bond funds.

Deputy Superintendent Glenn Mitchum summarized the administration-building plan as a single-story, practical facility intended to house central-office staff, provide a flexible board/community room and training space, and return classroom space to the high school. “We are excited to … soon be building a new central administration building,” Mitchum said, noting the District has held multiple community meetings in the Tower neighborhood and worked to reduce the building massing to one story to better fit nearby homes.

Designers and board members discussed egress and circulation; the team said calculations removed an extra door that was not required by square-footage rules and confirmed current emergency exits in the cafeteria remain in place. Board members asked whether elevator work is budgeted; staff said it is early in design and that any elevator upgrades would depend on remaining bond dollars.

Staff told the board they anticipate demolition of the existing Tower Avenue building in early spring (February) and then a ground-breaking for the new building. An approximate completion window was given as about the next October–November, though presenters emphasized that the District is not on a hard move-in timeline for central offices.

Next steps: staff will confirm bid and ground-breaking dates with the board, continue design development for finishes and furniture, and report back on budget allocations for any additional accessibility work.