Flint, MI – February 20, 2025 – Flint Community Schools (FCS) is making a major step forward in shaping the future of education in Flint with the approval of plans for a new high school.
On February 19, 2025, the Flint Board of Education (FBOE) voted unanimously 7-0 to accept a $750,000 grant from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation to support this transformational project's design and planning phase.
FCS is committed to working alongside the Flint community to create a state-of-the-art high school that will empower students, strengthen families, and inspire future generations. This initiative reflects the district’s dedication to providing innovative learning environments, fostering community engagement, and building a brighter future for all Flint scholars.
“This investment underscores our commitment to creating a modern educational facility that reflects the excellence and resilience of Flint scholars,” said Superintendent Kevelin Jones. “This new school will provide opportunities for innovation, academic growth, and community engagement for generations to come.”
The new high school will be located on the former Flint Central High School site, restoring an essential educational space in the heart of the city. This initiative is a key part of FCS’s broader vision to modernize education while maintaining strong community connections.
“FCS leadership and the Flint Board of Education have prioritized building a new high school, and we’re happy that our support will help them take the next step,” said Ridgway White, president and CEO of the Mott Foundation. “Flint kids deserve a space that sparks their imagination and creativity while preparing them for success after high school.”
The Mott Foundation grant will also support a robust community engagement process to ensure that families, students, educators, and community stakeholders actively contribute to shaping the vision for the new high school.
Flint Board of Education President Joyce Ellis-McNeal emphasized the importance of public involvement. “Flint families and community members will have a voice in this process, just as they did with the Brownell STEM Academy and Holmes STEM Middle School Academy campus planning,” Ellis-McNeal said. “We are building a school that meets the needs of our scholars today and prepares them for tomorrow's opportunities.”
The Flint Center for Educational Excellence will help guide and facilitate community engagement surrounding the new high school. Ja’Nel Jamerson, President and CEO of the Flint Center for Educational Excellence, noted, "This new high school represents more than just bricks and mortar; it's a powerful testament to our community's vision of a future where all Flint kids thrive. The Flint Center for Educational Excellence is honored to have a role in this transformative project, ensuring that the voices of our families, educators, and students are not only heard but are central to shaping the future of education in Flint."
The new high school is aligned with FCS’s new R4 vision: Re-Energizing the Pride, Renovating the Plans, Rebuilding the Possibilities, and Repurposing for a Brighter Future. This milestone represents the next phase in transforming education in Flint and providing students with an exceptional learning experience.
The new high school's planning process will begin in March, with key phases designed to ensure the facility meets the community's educational needs. The Programming Phase, which will last two months, will involve detailed discussions with FCS stakeholders to finalize educational goals and space requirements.
Carmal Lewis, Flint Neighborhoods United, shared, “A new high school is a direct investment in the Flint neighborhoods and a direct investment into Flint youth.”
The Schematic Design Phase will take place over the next six months, with Stantec developing initial design concepts. This will include site analysis, preliminary building layouts, and conceptual renderings, with the goal of completing this phase by Summer 2025. These efforts will lay the foundation for a high school that supports both the educational vision and the community’s future needs.
The district plans to leverage its own resources, grant funding, and community partnerships to bring this vision to life. FCS is also pursuing additional funding sources to support this initiative, including the Michigan Department of Education grant funds.
For continued updates on the Flint Central High School project, visit www.flintschools.org and stay connected as we build a strong future for Flint.
RE-ENERGIZING THE PRIDE, RENOVATING THE PLANS, REBUILDING THE POSSIBILITIES, and REPURPOSING FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE!
Press release link: https://5il.co/389sl