UNION CITY, MI (WTVB) – The Grand Rapids engineering and architectural design firm of C2AE and construction company Christman out of Lansing reported to the Union City School Board of Education on Monday night that with the current enrollment trends and statistical projections, some form of consolidation in the district should be considered.
Steve Jurisik from C2AE said there were seven options including the construction of a new elementary school and the elimination of the middle school.
It was pointed out the new building will provide savings in maintenance and life cycle costs and eliminating a legacy building will reduce maintenance and custodial costs further.
It will be awhile before any final decisions are made. Monday’s report was intended to show the scale of change and potential growth for Union City Community Schools.
The board accepted the Consolidation Study report and authorized Superintendent Chris Katz to apply for a state grant to implement recommendations of the consolidation study.
The report was presented due to concerns about Union City’s aging schools. The district’s elementary school was built in 1952 while Union City High School was constructed in 1960 and Union City Middle School was built in 1975.
In other business, Andrew Yockey was selected to fill a board vacancy which developed when Paula DeJongh stepped down.
He was one of three candidates who expressed an interest in the position. Yockey will serve out DeJongh’s term which expires on December 31, 2026.
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