Welcome to the latest edition of Brick by Brick! We’re excited to use this recurring newsletter to share meaningful updates on our community’s bond projects. Count on us to provide this update every 3 weeks during the design phase of the project.

From progress milestones and upcoming work, to important details about how these efforts are shaping the future of our district, this newsletter reflects our ongoing commitment to transparency as we keep the community informed and connected as this work moves forward.

Most of all, we are deeply grateful to our taxpayers for their investment in our schools. Your trust and support make this work possible, and we take seriously our responsibility to use these resources wisely for the benefit of our entire community.

Thank you for following along as we build the future of

Bronson Community Schools...Brick by Brick!

What's Included in the Projects this Summer?

TRACK - Expansion of our current 6-lane yardage track to an 8-lane metric track - the scope of this project includes the relocation of field events, regrading/reseeding the football field, installing an irrigation system, moving goal posts and play clocks, adding an accessible sidewalk around part of the track, adding accessible parking spaces closer to the athletic complex by the new entrance/ticketing area. This part of the project is funded with bond funds, with sinking fund dollars supplementing anything over the $1,150,190 bond construction budget.

ADDITIONAL STADIUM UPDATES - We also plan to demo our current stadium lighting poles, fixtures, and will install an irrigation system for the football field (Sinking Fund).

JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL PARKING LOTS - The district has partnered with an engineering firm over the last few years to evaluate the condition of our student and staff parking lots at the Jr/Sr High School and plan to complete the restructuring and resurfacing of these lots with Sinking Fund dollars this summer, as well.

COSTS - The total cost of the projects planned for the Jr/Sr High School site is $2,422,145:

$1,115,000 from bond funds
$1,307,145 from our sinking fund

CLICK HERE to view the Board-Approved (3/30/26 meeting) bid recommendations.

Fall 2026 Outdoor Athletics Information

As noted in recent District Updates -

Due to this project, our football and boys soccer teams will not be able to host home games on our field this fall. We appreciate the community’s understanding as we complete this needed upgrade, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to an improved facility once the work is finished.

A HUGE thank you to our Athletic Director, Jean LaClair, for organizing and collaborating with Coldwater, Union City, and Sturgis. Their willingness to host our home varsity football games helps keep both games and fans closer to home!

Design Meeting Recap

The Anderson Elementary design team met on July 15 to continue the Design Development phase of the project. As the project moves closer to construction documents, discussions focused on refining interior finishes, building identity, and the details that will help transform the new Anderson Elementary into a space that feels distinctly "Bronson".

The meeting began with a review of the project's guiding principles, reaffirming the team's commitment to creating a facility that is safe and secure, equitable for all students, student-centered, clean and organized, and an accurate representation of the community's investment in Bronson Community Schools.
A significant portion of the meeting focused on the interior design of learning spaces throughout the building. The team reviewed finish selections and window layouts for small group instructional spaces located throughout the school, ensuring these areas provide natural light, flexibility, and comfortable environments for individualized instruction and collaboration.
The design team also spent time reviewing options for hallways and locker commons, including flooring patterns, ceiling treatments, and architectural features intended to create visual interest while supporting wayfinding throughout the building. These spaces are being designed as extensions of the learning environment that encourage collaboration, connection, and school pride.
One of the most exciting conversations centered around the main lobby and gym entrance areas. Several concepts were reviewed that incorporated Viking branding, welcoming gathering spaces, and opportunities to celebrate the histories of both Anderson and Ryan Elementary Schools. Ideas included the incorporation of historical displays, dedication walls, and design elements that honor the legacy of both buildings while celebrating the future of Bronson Community Schools.
The team also discussed incorporating views into the media center from the lobby area to create a greater sense of openness and connection throughout the building. Additional conversations focused on creating a warm and inviting arrival experience through the use of intentional colors, textures, seating areas, and architectural details that reflect Bronson's identity without feeling excessive or overwhelming.
Additional follow-up items included finalizing flooring selections for the art room to ensure durability and ease of maintenance, reviewing locker configurations for second grade students, and continuing discussions regarding exterior building signage at both the main entrance and gymnasium.

As the project continues through Design Development this summer, the team remains focused on balancing functionality, durability, and aesthetics while ensuring the final product honors the community's vision and investment in our students.

Success Factors/Guiding Principles

Based on input from the design team and staff, the following success factors and guiding principles have been developed to guide our work/decisions as they relate to this project:

Safe + Secure

The building will be equipped with physical security measures, including controlled access, to maintain a safe environment for students and staff. External and internal supervision sightlines will drive the strategic placement of program spaces and influence the building layout. Building compartmentalization is important for maintaining secure areas of the building through a variety of uses throughout the day and evening.

Equitable

Blending of the new addition and existing facility is necessary to create a cohesive look and feel for the building. A consistent elementary education experience is desired for all. The unity created by the joining of Ryan Elementary students and Anderson Elementary students is a great opportunity for the future of Bronson Community Schools.

Student Centered

The facility will focus on the needs of the students. The building will be welcoming and inviting and the environment will provide comfort and a nurturing, home-like setting that is familiar to students. Breaking down barriers to education will be at the center of all design decisions.

Clean + Organized

The design needs to provide adequate storage space for necessary items as a way to eliminate clutter. The building program is structured in a way that educational spaces are intentionally provided, wayfinding is clear for student navigation, and easy orientation for visitors.

Representative of the Community Investment

This project is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the Bronson Community. As such, it needs to honor and respect the significant contributions of the community in supporting the bond proposal. The level of investment requires the design solution to be flexible and agile enough to adjust to future educational needs. The final result needs to be transformational without being "over the top" or excessive. The facility will be a community asset that will reflect the great pride of being a Bronson Viking!