Flint Celebrates a New Era with Groundbreaking of First New Public High School in 50 Years
On a rainy Wednesday, Flint marked a significant milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for its first new public high school in half a century. Despite the weather, spirits were high as community members gathered at the site of the former Flint Central High School.
“It’s been a long time coming,” remarked Kevelin Jones, superintendent of Flint Community Schools, who was visibly elated as he addressed the crowd.
The old Flint Central High School has long symbolized the city’s educational challenges, with its deteriorating condition reflecting the struggles of the local school district. Over the years, declining student numbers have been a common issue across Flint’s aging educational facilities.
Jones expressed optimism about the impact of the new $135 million school, which promises to transform the district with its cutting-edge learning environments, a modern performing theater, and new sports amenities. “Our scholars deserve to be taught in a building that’s state of the art. They deserve that,” said Jones. He emphasized the school’s potential to attract both current students and those who have left the district, noting the new facility will accommodate up to a thousand students when it opens in 2028, compared to the current enrollment of just over 600 high school students.
The ambitious project is largely funded by the Flint-based Mott Foundation, contributing $100 million, with the remaining funds provided by the state.
The Mott Foundation is one of Michigan Public’s donors.
