Crothers Elementary in Center Line Public Schools reopened this year after undergoing several bond renovations and additions.

Crothers Elementary in Center Line Public Schools reopened this year after undergoing several bond renovations and additions.

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School board, city council receive update on bond projects

Decision to be made on Roose building demolition

By: Maria Allard | Warren Weekly | Published February 3, 2025

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CENTER LINE — Crothers Elementary in Center Line Public Schools is back.

After being closed to undergo a number of bond renovations and additions, the school reopened this school year with several changes, including a gymnasium and cafeteria addition, a kitchen addition, two classroom additions, and renovations to the Crothers’ media center, makerspace/computer lab, classrooms and corridors.

The district’s school board and the Center Line City Council received an update on Crothers and other bond projects during a joint meeting held Jan. 27 between the two entities at City Hall.   

In November 2017, the school district passed a $53.95 million bond, and a $17 million capital improvement bond proposal was approved by voters in May 2023. The majority of the Crothers projects were done under the 2017 bond while a few were completed with money from the 2023 bond.

A bond proposal is developed by the school district and presented to the voters for approval. When a bond proposal passes, the bonds are sold in the capital markets at a date determined by the district, a financial advisor and an underwriter. Upon closing, funds generated from the bond sale are deposited in the district’s construction fund and are available to spend for completion of the projects contemplated in the bond proposal.

PARTNERS In Architecture, PLC, based in Mount Clemens, are the bond project architects. The firm McCarthy and Smith, of Farmington Hills, is the construction manager.

“It’s been an absolute privilege collaborating with Center Line Public Schools, helping to bring their vision for these spaces to life,” Michael A. Malone, AIA, principal with PARTNERS in Architecture, said in a prepared statement. “The design solutions enhance the learning environment and will provide positive impacts on students and staff for years to come.  We are grateful for this opportunity of partnering together and can’t wait to see what’s next.”

At last week’s meeting, Brian Hinz, RA, project architect with PARTNERS in Architecture, provided an overview of the completed projects and the upcoming projects for the summer of 2025.

Under the 2023 bond, the Eve Kaltz Academy 21 Special Programs Center — which houses the Academy 21 program, Early Childhood Special Education and the Great Start Readiness Program — also underwent bond updates. Crews built a secure entrance and vestibule and also updated the ECSE and GSRP classrooms, along with installing a playground. The building also received heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units.

The Center Line High School tennis courts replacement was completed under the 2023 bond along with the kitchen renovation. Under the 2017 bond, a new roof and masonry restoration was completed at the district’s transportation and maintenance building. Millwork improvements at Peck Elementary School also occurred under the 2017 bond.

According to Hinz’s presentation, officials have a number of projects planned under the 2023 bond that will undergo construction in the summer of 2025. They include a partial roof replacement, auditorium lighting and parking lot replacements and replacing the natatorium timing.

At Wolfe Middle School, crews will replace the north-east connector drive, and also replace the asphalt play area at Crothers. Officials also will have to make a decision about the demolition of the former Roose Elementary School.

“Demolition is outrageous. We’re looking to be fiscally responsible and figure out what we’re going to do,” district Superintendent Joseph Haynes said. “Our sites and facilities committee will look at all the options and we’ll determine what we’re going to do with it. sometime later this year. That will go in front of the board.”

For a complete list of bond projects, visit clps.org and click on the bond listing.

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