MLIVE: ‘Creating the next chapter’: Flint’s first new high school in 50+ years breaks ground

FLINT, MI – Hope can be a powerful thing.

A light in the darkness.

A rallying cry for change.

A vision of a better future.

“I’m glad it’s raining today, because what is rain? Rain is a symbol of renewal, and what are we doing today? We’re renewing our community,” said State Sen. John Cherry during a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Flint high school.

The community came together on Wednesday, June 17, to celebrate and break ground at the former Flint Central campus where the new state-of-the-art building will be constructed.

Abatement work has begun as part of the estimated $135 million project, marking the first new high school building in the district for more than 50 years.

Flint Central, which opened in 1923 and closed to students following the 2008-09 school year and has suffered vandalism and multiple fires in the years since, will be torn down.

Once abatement and demolition are complete, site clearing and grading will begin for the property for construction in 2027, Jones has said, with scholars beginning classes there in fall 2028.

“Today we gather on sacred ground and when I say that I mean that this ground carries memories, and I know my central alumni know what that means. It carries history and it carries pride,” said Flint Community Schools Superintendent Kevelin Jones. “Today we are not abandoning the history, we are building upon it, we are honoring it and we are creating the next chapter.”

One of the students that will be able to utilize the new building is Natalia Veasey, a student at Southwest Classical Academy.

“I am glad to say that my generation will be the first scholars in this new school where students can be challenged receive support from teachers and staff and be empowered by the school environment to become their best selves,” she said, to applause from those gathered.

Funding for the project includes nearly $36 million in consolidation grants awarded by the Michigan Department of Education to the district.

The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation announced in mid-May that it’d be committing up to $100 million toward the new school on the property off Crapo Street on the city’s east side.

Ridgway White, president and CEO of the Mott Foundation, said none of what’s taking place would’ve happened without trust and partnership, years on conversation and planning between the organization, community members, district leadership and the state of Michigan.

“We’re all united in the single belief that Flint kids deserve the best and we’re working together to give them that,” he said, adding “We care most about kids and making sure that they have every opportunity to not only succeed but to thrive and live great lives.”

Jones thanked White and the foundation for their “transformational commitment.”

“Because of your belief Ridgway in Flint, future generations of scholars will learn, will grow and thrive in a world-class educational environment,” he said.

The school is being built for every scholar in the city, Jones said, as they deserve the chance to prepare themselves for college, leadership, entrepreneurship and “most importantly life itself.”

U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet lauded the chance students will have there to learn a skilled trade “making sure that there is a foundation for every single path.”

“A school revitalizes the entire community. For too long we have been in a place where it’s been hard to find hope,” she said, noting thousands of calls received from constituents that share their worry and cynicism. “Right now, in this beautiful space with this gorgeous rainstorm this is a place of hope.”

Wednesday’s groundbreaking was more than just ceremonial for Flint Board of Education trustee Terae King Jr.

“It’s about keeping a promise to Flint kids,” he said. “We turned years of hope into reality, building something that will serve generations to come. This is the power of us; this is what happens when a community refuses to give up on its children.”

Cherry saw hope in the development, along with funds coming into the city for other entities including the LatinX Technology & Community Center and Michigan School for the Deaf.

“These are the type of investments that have a tangible impact on everyday people within our community…It’s the entire community that’s coming together to do things,” he said. “We’re turning a corner. Whether it’s houses, buildings, or people we had been in teardown mode for too long.

“Today, we aren’t just tearing something down, we’re building something up. Flint is building things. Building things is transformative. This is going to be transformative.”

A Flint schools graduate, Jones said the new building stands for something more than just brick and mortar.