Architect's rendering of a perspective view of renovations at Hillsdale Middle School.

KALAMAZOO PUBLIC SCHOOLS .

Project Overview

Name: Kalamazoo Public Schools
Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Project Type: New Construction, Renovations

It has been some time since Kalamazoo Public Schools were involved in a major construction project. But now that they are, it may be a while until we see another one like it!

In 2006, voters approved an $85.5 million bond issue that will dramatically impact the future of education in the Kalamazoo area. The projects that will be financed by the bond will be completed in phases over the next four years, and cover a broad range of district needs.

All of the district’s 17 elementary, middle, magnet schools, and specialized academies will receive necessary improvements to their physical facilities. Several of these require significant repairs to, or replacement of, roofing, flooring, wall and window panels, and toilet rooms. In other buildings, boiler and water distribution systems, piping, lighting, and other areas of the infrastructure will receive needed upgrades; and HVAC concerns will also be addressed.

Learning environments and experiences will also be enhanced with new computer labs, upgrades to audio and video equipment, and in some cases, new classroom furniture, lighting, whiteboards, and more. In other buildings, school libraries are being refurbished to serve as enhanced media and learning centers.

Secondary schools a primary focus.

The district’s secondary schools also figure prominently in the new construction plans. Kalamazoo Central High School will get a new main office and exterior doors, an enhanced security system, and a variety of outdoor improvements to parking areas and athletic facilities.

Loy Norrix High School will benefit from new roofing, flooring, and lighting fixtures and systems, enhanced security, and the addition of air conditioning.

First new schools in 35 years.

Two key components of the construction project are brand new buildings. A new elementary school will be built on property owned by the district on 9th Street. A new, modern middle school will also be added.

Kalamazoo Public Schools have made good use of existing facilities. The last new school building in the district was opened in 1972; and the last new elementary school opened over 40 years ago! Most schools in the district date back to the 1950s, and many were opened in the 1920s or before! It’s no wonder the approval of the Bond Issue and all that it will make possible has district officials upbeat.

“It’s certainly an exciting time for all of us here,” said Gary Start, Deputy Superintendent of the Kalamazoo Public Schools.

New construction not the only “promising” development.

There’s already plenty of excitement connected with Kalamazoo Public Schools thanks to The Kalamazoo Promise—a much-lauded program that provides every graduate of the Kalamazoo Public School system with the opportunity to attend post-secondary education, with up to a 100% tuition scholarship!

Todd McDonald, Group Vice President of CSM Group, the construction management firm chosen to handle the huge project, is equally excited about the opportunity to partner with Kalamazoo Public Schools at this important time.

“We’re honored to be able to play a role at a time when so many good things are happening with Kalamazoo Public Schools and the community they serve,” McDonald said. “The interest level in the success of KPS students is going to be at an all-time high. CSM is committed to doing everything we can to support that success. We have even structured our staff model to include internship and work experience opportunities for KPS students and graduates as part of the project management effort.”

Selection committee did its homework.

McDonald is quick to praise Kalamazoo Public Schools staff for its attention to detail and deliberate approach in selecting a construction manager for the project. While CSM Group has solid experience in education construction and an excellent reputation in West Michigan, McDonald says it was even more gratifying to be chosen, given the meticulous research and careful consideration devoted to the decision.

“I applaud the selection process and the time they took to follow up on references, visit work sites, sit in on progress meetings, and more. They were truly working, as a group and as individuals, to make sure they had a good understanding of what the fit would be between them and the CM firm they chose,” McDonald explained.

Karen Jackson, Executive Assistant, Department of Facilities Management of KPS and a member of the selection committee, also found the process enlightening. And from her perspective, McDonald and CSM Group can, indeed, be proud of the result.

“We had five members of the committee interviewing construction managers and architects—and three of those people had absolutely no previous knowledge of CSM Group. But the votes for both the architect, and for CSM Group as construction manager, were unanimous!”