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.

Bids were due/opened and post-bid interviews were held with the 2 lowest bidders in each category to determine the lowest responsible bidder for each. Skillman made and the Board accepted the following recommendations:

Parrish Excavating - Sitework
Excell Paving Plus - Asphalt
Brussee Brady - General Trades
Union Electric - Electrical
Current Surfaces - Track Surfacing

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

Click the picture below to view the planned improvements at the athletic complex. We're on track to begin the project in early-May.

Stay tuned to social media, our app, and our website for an announcement of a ground breaking ceremony and implications on parking/site access.

*AS A REMINDER* - the track reconstruction (expansion of the track from 6 land yardage to 8 lane metric) will be paid for with bond funds. Stadium lighting and reconstruction of the student and, pending soil testing, faculty lots will be funded with sinking fund dollars.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

As noted in the April 2025 District Update -

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 Team Meeting Recap

The design team met on Wednesday, April 1st to get an overview of all of the trades who have been working on the project from TowerPinkster. Those included:

Civil
Structural
Mechanical
Electrical
Technology
Interior Design

We also reviewed site plan options that were revised since our last meeting along with exterior finishes and massing. The team is very excited about recent adjustments to the exterior finish and overall building layout.

The next step in the process is for TowerPinkster to finalize their drawings and send them off to Skillman for pricing. Our next team meeting will include a review of that pricing and we'll adjust what is needed based on that information.

Release of Design Plans/Drawings

A question we're starting to hear is, "When can we see the drawings/plans?". We know there is a lot of excitement to see the new drawings and plans, and we are just as eager to share them with you.

Our team is in the middle of the schematic design phase. Part of this phase involves carefully weighing every design concept against our bond budget to ensure the project remains fiscally responsible. Our goal is to share plans that are not only inspiring but also achievable.

To ensure the community has the most accurate information, we hope to release the layouts once we transition from the Schematic Design phase into Design Development. At that point, the plans will be more finalized and reflective of the actual build.

Thank you for your patience as we do the due diligence necessary to get this right for our community.

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!