2018 Bond Progress
Thank you voters!
We are excited to share the progress that has been made in regards to the passing of the bond on May 8, 2018. Please continue to check this page for updates on all the exciting changes yet to come for Big Rapids Public Schools and the Big Rapids community. We can't thank you enough for your support!
Bond Update Flyers
Bond improvements were broken down into three categories as seen here:
Classrooms & Learning
New band equipment and Chromebooks are already in classrooms!
At the Middle School and High School, Mr. Todd, Mr. Balch, and all the students have enjoyed the new band equipment the bond funds have allowed. From bells and tubas to clarinets and xylophones, these improvements will see the BRPS students well into the future in our award-winning band program.
The technology department has also gotten in on the fun and has begun to equip the Middle School, High School and Virtual School with new Chromebooks and ChromeCarts, getting the district closer to our goal of 1:1 technology!
Safety & Security
We have purchased buses and cameras that are already in use!
The safety of students at BRPS is always at the forefront of district decisions. As such, some of our first spending of bond funds was in this priority area and spending for this priority area will be ongoing. The district has already purchased three buses, insuring safety while transporting our students daily.
Additionally, security cameras have been added in buses and at the elementary schools, thus far. The Technology Resource Center has been able to keep the servers for the security cameras in-house, resulting in significant savings for the district.
Building & Grounds
Excitement is mounting as work on building and grounds nears completion.
The majority of the improvements in Building & Grounds was slated for Phase 2 and 3 and there has been significant progress made in this priority area. Exterior building updates at the Virtual School have been completed. The Middle School students were able to benefit from these purchases during their production of The Wizard of Oz. In addition, the district has begun to update the High School auditorium with the purchase of new sound equipment, curtains, and scrim.
Building additions at both elementary schools have been enjoyed and utilized and proven to be much needed in the 2019-20 school year for social distancing. The storage additions for band and wood shop as well as the multi-use space at the High School have also been welcomed and utilized by the masses.
The addition of Cardinal Stadium has proven to be a multi-functional venue, hosting not only athletic events but band camp and even prom as well!
Big Rapids School district is working hard to deliver the plan the Big Rapids community supported during the election process. Countless hours have been and continue to be spent balancing design elements and fiscal responsibility, all the while maintaining the goal of offering students opportunities to be successful.
Current Progress is in Phase 3
Classroom remodeling will be the highlight of Phase 3.
Classroom remodeling will include HVAC improvements, furniture upgrades, new flooring, new ceilings, and more technology upgrades district-wide.
Schematic design for these improvements has been completed and remodeling is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2020. Most improvements will be made during the Summer of 2020 with some improvements also taking place in the Summer of 2021.
Brookside Hallway - Rendering after remodel
Riverview Entry - Rendering after remodel
Middle School Lobby/Entry - Rendering after remodel
Middle School Media Center - Rendering after remodel
Middle School Lower Level Science Lab - Rendering after remodel