(Paw Paw, MI) June 7, 2023 – Staff at Paw Paw Public Schools and members of the community broke ground on construction and renovations at the high school on Tuesday, signaling the beginning of four years of work in the district. In addition to a new early childhood education building, existing facilities will receive upgrades like classroom additions and new modern furniture.
Background
Funds for the projects were generated by a $47.5 million bond, which voters passed in May of 2022. The bond and its associated projects were designed to improve educational environments, establish healthy and efficient modern facilities, and make security and safety upgrades throughout the district.
“Throughout the course of the bond campaign, the community has been the driving force behind this process,” said Superintendent Rick Reo. “From the beginning, our theme has been to “Build Together” for the future of the entire community. To know that voters in the District share in our vision gives me great hope for the future of our schools and for the future of the Paw Paw community. Now that we’ve officially broken ground on construction, work on the projects will begin immediately.”
Project Scope
High School Additions
The cafeteria and the gymnasium at Paw Paw High School will both receive major additions. Currently, both spaces are too small to meet the needs of the staff, students, and community. The benefits this new space will have will be two-fold: one, it will allow for multiple clubs and sports to practice at once, limiting the need for students to practice in alternative spaces or stay late to get practice in. Two, it will allow the school to host more large-scale events, which they may have turned down in the past due to lack of space. Similarly, seating capacity will be increased in the cafeteria. Updates will be made to student flow and staff visibility as well.
Early Childhood Center
The main new addition for the district will be the Early Childhood Education Center, which will house new and existing preschool programming for 3- and 4-year-old children in the district and surrounding areas. Once completed, students who attend will develop skills that will prepare them for kindergarten and beyond. Complimentary childcare will also be offered in addition to the Great Start Readiness and Head Start programs. The building is expected to be completed in the summer of 2025.
Additional Projects
- Two classroom additions at each elementary building
- Replacing old furniture with modern flexible furniture
- Security, safety, and energy efficiency upgrades
- Replacing aging mechanical equipment
- New drainage system on high school baseball field
- Renovations to soccer stadium restrooms
The $47.5 million bond program is being managed by Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Co. and designed by TowerPinkster.
ABOUT PAW PAW PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Paw Paw Public Schools’ serves approximately 2,022 Kindergarten through 12th grade students. Their mission is to develop, support, challenge and inspire every child for life-long success. From early childhood education to advanced high school courses, the district is goal-driven and student-focused, offering a comprehensive and diverse curriculum that prepares students for success in college, career, and life.
ABOUT O‑A‑K
Founded in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1891, Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Co. (O‑A‑K) is an employee-owned construction management company specializing in complex, community-driven program leadership. We believe the most successful companies are constantly adjusting to what they’ve learned. Driven by our core values: choosing what’s right, every time; a can-do attitude; a personal sense of responsibility; and people who value people; we manage the building process as an extension of the communities we serve. Learn more at owen‑ames‑kimball.com.
ABOUT TOWERPINKSTER
TowerPinkster is an employee-owned design firm specializing in architecture, engineering, interior design, landscape architecture, and technology design. Since 1953, TowerPinkster has channeled curiosity into unique and forward-thinking environments for clients and communities throughout Michigan and beyond. Recent work includes projects for Aquinas College, John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids Public Schools, and the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. The firm has offices in Grand Rapids, MI, Grand Haven, MI, Kalamazoo, MI, Jeffer