Flint, Michigan — April 25, 2025 - Flint Community Schools (FCS) is making a major step forward in shaping the future of education in Flint. FCS was awarded $35.9 million through the Michigan Department of Education’s consolidation grants program, allowing the district to consolidate school buildings and move forward with an innovative vision for a new high school for Flint scholars.
“We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Michigan Department of Education and State Superintendent Rice for supporting our district’s long-term success,” said FCS Superintendent Kevelin Jones. “We also would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our legislative champions, State Rep. Cynthia Neeley and State Sen. John Cherry, for their unwavering commitment to Flint scholars. Their continued advocacy on behalf of our district has played a pivotal role in securing this essential funding.”
“The $35.9 million grant from the Michigan Department of Education is more than welcome news for Flint schools. It’s a powerful investment in our children, our educators, and our community’s future,” said Mayor Sheldon Neeley (D-Flint). “Our students are the true gems of Flint, and they deserve every resource and opportunity to grow, thrive, and succeed. This funding arrives at a critical time, especially as we face ongoing challenges and funding threats at both the state and federal levels. I’m proud to stand with Flint families and fight for what our schools need to flourish.”
“I couldn’t be more thrilled that MDE has chosen Flint Community Schools to receive such a substantial award, creating more opportunities for our students to build bright and promising futures,” said Senator John Cherry (D-Flint). “Along with the district’s plans to consolidate schools, I’m particularly excited for the new high school they intend to construct in the heart of the city, slated to provide our young scholars with a top-notch education in a modern space designed to foster creativity, excellence, and a sense of community pride.”
Senator Cherry also shared, “I’m incredibly proud that my Senate Democratic colleagues and I were able to secure funds for these awards in previous state budgets and look forward to witnessing the impacts of this investment on our kids and community for decades to come.”
FCS Board of Education President Joyce Ellis McNeal is excited to see a bright future for Flint scholars. “With this funding, we are turning vision into action, dreams into blueprints, and challenges into opportunities,” McNeal said.
The new high school is aligned with FCS’s new R4 vision: Re-Energizing the Pride, Renovating the Plans, Rebuilding the Possibilities, and Repurposing for a Brighter Future. This milestone grant represents the next phase in transforming education in Flint, and providing students with an exceptional learning experience.
With support from a grant from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the district has already initiated a high school design process that engages scholars, parents, and other community members.
“The Mott Foundation is excited to hear that FCS has received funding for school consolidation,” said Ridgway White, president and CEO of the Mott Foundation. “We hope to be able to support FCS in its goal of replacing obsolete buildings with a new high school that will enhance the learning opportunities for Flint’s youth — now and into the future.”
Kevelin Jones, the superintendent of Flint Community Schools, also expressed gratitude to the Flint Center for Educational Excellence, which was vital in supporting the district’s efforts throughout the grant process and ensuring broad stakeholder engagement and collaboration at every stage.
“This grant is a testament to what is possible when a community comes together to champion the needs of its young people,” said Ja’Nel Jamerson, president and CEO of the Flint Center for Educational Excellence.
Superintendent Jones believes that the heart of Flint’s success lies in its partnerships, including its relationship with the Genesee Intermediate School District. “Our phenomenal team of educators, scholars, parents, and community members is the engine that drives this district forward,” he said. “On behalf of the Flint Board of Education and our entire district team, I want to thank our families, staff, and community members for their continued belief in what we are building together.”
Superintendent Jones emphasized Flint’s enduring strength and the district’s ongoing mission. Flint is a resilient city, and Flint Community Schools will continue to exemplify that resilience through our commitment to continuous improvement and remaining the best option for children in Flint,” he said.
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