Flint Breaks Ground on First New High School in 50 Years
Flint Community Schools broke ground Wednesday, June 17, on a new high school that will replace the former Flint Central High School building on Crapo Street. The $135 million project marks the first new high school construction in the district in more than 50 years.
The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation announced in mid-May that it would commit up to $100 million toward the project. The foundation had already awarded just over $6 million for design work and site preparation. The state of Michigan contributed $35.9 million in consolidation grants through the Michigan Department of Education, according to district officials.
"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."
A Building That Closed in 2009
The original Flint Central High School opened in 1923. It closed to students following the 2008-09 school year after a period of declining enrollment and rising maintenance costs. The vacant building suffered vandalism and multiple fires in the years since.
Demolition of the old structure is expected to begin in July 2026 once abatement work is complete. Alan Velez, FCS facilities and maintenance manager, said the entire campus will be demolished except for the tower. Site clearing and grading will follow, with construction beginning in 2027.
The new facility is designed to house about 1,000 students. It will include modern heating, air conditioning, and building energy management systems. The building will feature full Wi-Fi throughout the campus and state-of-the-art alarm and security access control measures, according to Velez.
Students and Officials Call It a Turning Point
"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," said Natalia Veasey, a student at Southwest Classical Academy.
State Sen. John Cherry spoke at the ceremony during a rainstorm that drew comparisons to renewal.
"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," Cherry said. "We're turning a corner. Whether it's houses, buildings, or people we had been in teardown mode for too long."
U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet highlighted the opportunity for students to learn skilled trades at the new facility.
"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. "Right now, in this beautiful space with this gorgeous rainstorm this is a place of hope."
Ridgway White, president and CEO of the Mott Foundation, said the project required years of planning between the foundation, 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," White said. "We care most about kids and making sure that they have every opportunity to not only succeed but to thrive and live great lives."
Timeline
- May 2026: Mott Foundation announces up to $100 million commitment
- June 17, 2026: Groundbreaking ceremony at former Flint Central site
- July 2026: Demolition of old Flint Central building begins
- 2027: Construction begins on new high school
- Fall 2028: Scholars expected to begin classes in new building
Flint Board of Education trustee Terae King Jr. called the project a promise kept to Flint students.
"We turned years of hope into reality, building something that will serve generations to come," King said. "This is the power of us; this is what happens when a community refuses to give up on its children."