Brick by Brick

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!

We'll also make sure to continue updating our photo album of the track project, so be sure to keep an eye on that, linked below!

Check out the progress photos from the track, lighting, and parking lot projects by clicking the button below! We'll keep the album updated throughout the construction phase.

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.

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.

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!

At the August 17, 2026 Board of Education meeting, the Board approved the naming of the K-5 building as Bronson Elementary School. We have plans to display a timeline along with historical pictures of both Anderson and Ryan Elementary Schools in the new lobby to honor our past, and look forward to the future!

The Anderson Elementary design team met on August 12 to wrap up 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".

• Our architects went through plans/drawings for each of the spaces in the renovated and added spaces at Anderson. This was done through a page by page turn of all plans and the team was able to ask questions and provide insights when needed.
• We also were provided with the opportunity to experience a 3D tour of the K-5 building. We're so excited to see the work begin on this project and see it all become reality.

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.

PLEASE NOTE - ALL DRAWINGS/PLANS/IMAGES ARE CONCEPTUAL AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE throughout the design process. Click images in the upper right corner, below, to see larger version.

The following graphics (along with additional information) were shared by our architects and construction managers during the Regular Board of Education meeting on Monday, May 11th.

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:

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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!

Please know this is still a work in progress and more information/pictures will be shared as it becomes available and as we move along through the process!

ONGOING TRACK PROJECT PROGRESS MEETINGS TAKING PLACE EVERY OTHER WEEK, BEGAN APRIL 30, 2026 - END OF THE PROJECT

ONGOING TRACK/PARKING LOT OWNER, ARCHITECT, CONSTRUCTION MANAGER MEETINGS SCHEDULED ONCE/MONTH, BEGAN ON MAY 6, 2026 - END OF THE PROJECT

• September 2026 - budget meetings for the Bronson Elementary Project

• November 2026 - Bronson Elementary Project goes out for bids
• December 2026 - Bids awarded
• Spring 2027 - Ground breaking ceremony for Bronson Elementary School