By Harold C. Ford
Flint Community Schools (FCS) is moving forward to upgrade and reopen Flint Central High School, which has been closed since 2009. On January 22, 2025, the Flint Board of Education unanimously voted to partner with Plante Moran Realpoint to kick off preliminary work at a cost of $120,000 over eight months. Plante Moran is experienced in consulting and has helped FCS in the past, especially on real estate projects.
A detailed agreement outlines plans for a new middle/high school campus with an estimated cost of $125 million and a consulting fee of $3.125 million.
There are two main phases for this project. The first phase involves programming and oversight, focusing on capital planning and schematic design to guide the project. The second phase, called “Owner Representation Services,” will cover project planning, monitoring, design, construction, and project completion.
Funding details are still emerging. Superintendent Kevelin Jones indicated that FCS will contribute $70,000 from its reserves. The Mott Foundation is expected to cover an additional $50,000 and may provide more support. FCS is also looking into state funding sources called “12(d)” grants, which assist eligible schools with infrastructure needs.
During a recent Board meeting, community members expressed their hope and concerns. Many want to ensure the new campus preserves the historical architecture of Central High and consider how traffic will affect the surrounding neighborhood. There is strong support from residents to make better use of the long-abandoned property on Crapo Street.
Local resident Nicholas Custer shared his thoughts on the importance of maintaining the school’s legacy. He remarked that he has seen both the benefits and downsides of school closures in the area. Other residents emphasized the campus’s proximity to cultural institutions like the Flint Institute of Music and Mott Community College, highlighting the educational potential nearby.
Chad Schlosser, a local resident and former school board candidate, stressed that this project signifies commitment to the Flint Community Schools. He called it a positive step for the future, assuring families that they won’t have to seek education elsewhere.
Here’s a brief timeline of key events related to the Flint Central campus:
- 2013-2014: Powers Catholic High School showed interest in the property, but their proposal was rejected.
- 2016: The Board discussed new facilities for Flint Central, sparking community concerns about traffic and vandalism.
- March 2017: The FCS set a target to open a new consolidated high school by 2020.
- February 2021: A mixed-use redevelopment plan was proposed but did not progress.
- April 2021: A Memorandum of Understanding was created, outlining a plan for multiple new schools with Mott Foundation support.
- June 2021: The Mott Foundation committed up to $200 million for educational improvements.
- January 2025: The Board voted to hire PMR for preliminary project development.
Overall, the community’s response is hopeful. Many believe that reopening Flint Central High will benefit local families and enhance the educational landscape. Resident Samantha Farah expressed her excitement about revitalizing this cultural landmark, noting its central location and historical significance.
This article also appears in East Village Magazine’s February 2025 issue.
Check out this related article: “Debunking the Myths: Why Eliminating the Department of Education Doesn’t Have to Be Scary” – Washington Examiner
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