Photo courtesy /Mattawan Consolidated Schools
Members of the Mattawan Board of Education and Central Office are shown with ceremonial shovels during a groundbreaking held Monday, March 10, that will start Phase 1 of a multi-year school construction project. Shown from left, Randy Fleenor, superintendent, Vickie Herzberg, Marika Hawes-Ruhrup, Dr.Mark Noffsinger, Shari Magrath, Rick George, Onur Arugaslan, Ted Roethlisberger, and Jay Larner, assistant superintendent.
Members of the Mattawan varsity football team and coaches were on hand Monday, March 10, during the groundbreaking for Phase 1 of a $110 million dollar school construction project that was approved by school district voters in May of 2024.MATTAWAN – Monday, March 10, marked a historic milestone for Mattawan Consolidated Schools as the district broke ground on the first phase of a comprehensive, multi-year school construction project. This initiative follows the approval of a $110 million dollar school construction bond by voters in May 2024.
Monday’s groundbreaking ceremony kicks off a series of significant improvements, starting with the renovation of the district’s stadium. The first phase of the stadium project will include the installation of a new, state-of-the-art multi-sport turf field and track, enhancing athletic opportunities for students and the community. Subsequent phases will focus on upgrading bleachers, perimeter fencing, and the construction of new entryways and concessions.
In conjunction with Veridus Group, serving as the Owner’s Representative, Architect and Design group, TowerPinkser, and Construction Firm AVB, the groundbreaking is only the beginning of a transformative journey that will unfold over the next five years, impacting every corner of the district. In addition to the stadium renovation, the bond initiative will address key areas such as:
Replacement of aging furniture at the middle and high schools for both students and staff,
Renovations to older science areas in middle and high schools
Enhancements to the high school auditorium
Solutions to alleviate overcrowded cafeteria space at the middle school
Renovations to bathrooms at the middle and high schools
Construction of new transportation and maintenance facilities
The creation of an expansive, approximately 60,000-square-foot multi-purpose field house designed for year-round use
The addition of an aquatic center to enhance student wellness and community engagement
The construction of a new turf soccer field
A new 12-court tennis complex
Upgraded practice fields and youth sports spaces
“These projects are historic in nature and will forever change our district and community,” said Superintendent Randy Fleenor. “We are incredibly grateful to the voters who made this possible. Their support ensures that our students have access to modern, safe, and efficient learning environments that foster growth, achievement, and wellbeing.”
Ted Roethlisberger, Board of Education President, expressed his excitement about the future of the district, stating, “These projects are truly transformative, not just for our students, but for the entire Mattawan community. We are incredibly grateful to the voters for placing their trust in us. This bond initiative will have a lasting impact on the educational experience of every student and will create facilities that our community will be proud of for generations. The support we’ve received will forever change the trajectory of our schools and our community, and we are excited to begin this important work.”
“The bond initiative represents a commitment to the future of the district, ensuring that Mattawan Consolidated Schools can continue to provide exceptional educational experiences for generations to come,” said Supt. Fleenor.
Supt. Fleenor concluded, “Thank you to our community for making this exciting new chapter in our history possible.”
