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- calendar_today October 30, 2026
School Board Approves Final Payment for Major Bond Project
The Manistee Area Public Schools (MAPS) board reached a significant milestone this month by unanimously approving the final payment application for its $30.855 million bond project. The approved payment totals $512,729.14, representing what school officials describe as the final major disbursement for the district’s extensive renovations and new construction efforts.
Scope of the $30.855 Million Bond Project
In May 2021, district voters gave the green light for sweeping improvements through the bond proposal. The approved plan included renovations of the Kennedy Elementary School building to consolidate all elementary grades, construction of a new middle school gymnasium, demolition of the 1927 former high school building, and several other projects. The district engaged Christman Company for construction management and TowerPinkster as the project's architectural firm.
Progress on Construction and Renovations
The newly renovated Manistee Elementary School at 550 Maple St. opened in time for the 2025-26 school year. Additionally, students began attending the Manistee Early Childhood Center, previously Madison Elementary School, on August 31, 2026. According to business manager Howard Vaas, the project’s punch list—covering final tasks before completion—is almost complete, mostly involving minor cosmetic issues rather than substantial work.
Current Challenges: HVAC and Water Infiltration
A few remaining concerns persist. Vaas reported the possibility of an additional $6,000 to $7,000 expenditure for an HVAC sensor upgrade in classrooms. The current sensors only detect electrical current to determine if fans are running, which may not accurately reflect whether the fans are functioning properly. The proposed fix involves installing sensors in the air ducts to measure actual airflow.
Water infiltration at the Manistee Elementary School building is another ongoing issue. The problem, initially discovered in the elevator pit prior to the elevator’s removal, was known during the original engineering phase. Despite the contractor following the prescribed solution at no extra cost to the district, the fix did not fully resolve the water entry. The contractor has made additional attempts to address the issue, though further repairs may be necessary and could incur additional costs.
Demolition and Budget Management
The demolition of the Jefferson Elementary School building is nearing completion, with workers spreading topsoil at the site. Funding for this demolition comes from the district’s general fund. MAPS set aside $350,000 from its capital projects fund for the work, with bids coming in just under $300,000, allowing for contingencies if unexpected costs arise.
Unexpected construction delays and increased costs following the COVID-19 pandemic initially left the project over budget. However, Vaas noted that the district made optimal use of the extra time, ultimately achieving desirable outcomes despite these setbacks.
Next Steps and Final Thoughts
While the punch list is largely complete, MAPS officials are monitoring remaining issues, including the need for further water infiltration repairs and possible upgrades to the HVAC sensors. Superintendent Ron Stoneman emphasized that it is normal for renovation projects to encounter unforeseen challenges, and contractors have gone beyond expectations in attempting repairs. If remaining problems persist, further investments may be made to ensure permanent solutions.
Overall, district leaders remain positive about the project’s progress, expressing satisfaction with the improvements funded by the $30.855 million bond and the benefits these upgrades will bring to students and the community.
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Source: manisteenews.com.
