Building Updates!

Project Statement – the two-story addition features two nappers rooms and a program space for large events like the elementary class plays, violin recitals, and special programs. The soccer field will be moved and a new playground will be constructed. The house on the adjacent property will be demolished to make room for these new play areas. The driveway entrance will also be improved to allow for better circulation during drop off and pick up as well as additional parking needed for all-school events. These improvements serve to reduce the school’s impact on our neighbors. To comply with new building codes the new addition will be connected to public water for sprinklers only.

The project will NOT expand the school’s enrollment. Instead the additional space will allow for more programming and fewer space conflicts.

Project Funding – the anticipated cost of the project is approximately $1 million; however, until we receive bids from construction firms we won’t be certain of the final cost. The project will be financed in part by loans and in part by the school’s cash reserves. In 2018 the Board of Directors adopted a policy to fund 50% of the project using funds from past and current families (cash reserves) and 50% from future families (loans).

Updates

11/7/19 – the Project Team has received comments back from the County requesting additional information and minor revisions to the project plan. Once the County approves the development plan for our site, we will begin to file for grading and building permits which is one step closer to construction!  In the meantime the Project Team continues to prepare the architectural drawings that are needed to request bids from construction firms. We anticipate being prepared to request bids early in 2020.

4/23/2021 – Families that have been with MICH for several years know all too well our space challenges.  That was all the more evident during COVID, when we repurposed space to use as additional classrooms to reduce class sizes overall and to meet parent demands for in person and distance learning across our school community.

In 2016, the Board and Parent Community approved the purchase of the neighboring property with the intent of enhancing  the programming at facilities at MICH.  The Parent Community participated in polls and meetings to determine the best use for that property.  

As a community, it was clear that growing the size of our school population was not in our long-term best interest or need; however, we do need more space to address our current space challenges.  

The largest goal of the project is to add space – lots of space!  In working with a local architect (also a MICH Alumni Parent!), the scope of the project is to create a two-story addition, connected directly to our current building which adds two napper rooms, and a large, multi-use room for indoor recess, PM Extended Day, after school activities, artists in residence, elementary class plays, recitals, and special programs for the entire school community. 

Several changes are slated to make the property more useful for us. The soccer field will be moved closer to our eastern border to make room for a new primary play area. The house on the adjacent property will be demolished to make room for the addition. The plan also provides improvements to the main driveway entrance, which will be improved to allow for better circulation during drop off and pick up as well as additional parking needed for all-school events. These improvements serve to reduce the school’s impact on our neighbors. To comply with new building codes the new addition will be connected to public water for sprinklers only.

The project will NOT expand the school’s enrollment. Instead the additional space will allow for more programming and fewer space conflicts.

These plans were developed after hearing from parents about their interest, discussions with the Board about current needs as well as the future vision for our school, and our staff, who work in the building every day.  

In October 2017, MICH hired a local engineering firm to conduct a feasibility study, and an architect was engaged in May 2018.  After two long years or work, the County approved MICH’s site development plan, largely unchanged in December 2020.  The goals identified above are realistic with the plan that has been developed.  

Project Funding – the anticipated cost of the project was approximately $1 million originally.  The project will be financed in part by loans and in part by the school’s cash reserves. In 2018 the Board of Directors adopted a policy to fund 50% of the project using funds provided from past and current families (cash reserves) and 50% from future families who will help pay back loans through tuition and fees.  

Looking Forward  – The Board and the MICH Community is at a crossroads.  After a difficult year that saw revenues decrease and expenses increase due to the pandemic, it is important to ensure that our community remains committed to this project and the original goals.  In addition before the Board undertakes a financial commitment, we want to ensure the community supports the project.  

Please take a moment to review the drawings here on the website and give thought to the type of learning environment you’d like your children, as well as future children, at MICH.  The Board of Directors will be reaching out with a survey in the near future and we’d like your input.