FAQs

Dicken Elementary

Lakewood Elementary

Lawton Elementary

Logan Elementary

New Construction / Major Projects

  • Why are multiple schools being built at the same time?

    For information regarding the Phase 2 Bond Plan, please see the presentation here.

  • Did you consider parent drop offs from all of the different locations in the neighborhood?

    Yes, the AAPS understands students arrive onsite from multiple areas within the neighborhood.

  • Where will construction traffic be coming in?

    Each project’s construction team will work with the school to designate safe construction access, which will be communicated to the school community, including adjacent neighbors prior to the start of construction.

  • Can the AAPS request speed and traffic control measures on City streets?

    AAPS works closely with the City of Ann Arbor Traffic Engineering Department on roadway plans to improve safety for pedestrians as well as drivers. Tools that the City has instituted near schools include proper pedestrian signs, 25 MPH speed limit notices, bump outs to slow traffic as well as restricting certain turning radius to improve pedestrian crossings. The partnership with the City contributes to the goal that both share of pedestrian safety in our community.

  • How will cyclists get to school?

    The AAPS prioritizes non-motorized transportation opportunities, including bikers and pedestrians and is committed to providing clear, safe routes to school for each school community.

  • How will sound and emissions along the new bus loops be addressed?

    The AAPS will make every effort to locate bus lanes at a suitable distance from neighboring residences. Additionally, AAPS has made a commitment to eliminate Scope 1 GHG emissions by 2035 and continues to purchase additional electric buses for the fleet which can reduce noise as well as Diesel emissions.

  • What would delay construction, if anything?

    Supply chain and unforeseen delays have been included in the construction timelines to mitigate any potential delays.

  • Do you have support of parents to build a new school?

    AAPS continues to receive strong support from active school families for major projects.

  • Why wasn’t staging considered?

    The AAPS stages only where it is unavoidable because staging is disruptive to school functions, burdens parents of students, adds considerable expense, and creates delays to the improvements that students and teachers deserve.

  • What about sidewalk and/or path safety during construction?

    Students, staff and visitors can expect safety physical separation barriers, signage, and guidance on each project site allowing for safe walking paths during construction.

  • How will you keep kids safe when construction is happening onsite?

    A physical separation barrier will be maintained between the construction area and the surrounding areas in order to separate students, staff, and the general public from construction activities.

  • Who determines the distance between the current school and the newly constructed school?

    The minimum distance is determined by regulatory requirements, construction feasibility and safety considerations.

  • Will there be an elevator in the new building?

    Any new building that has more than one floor will have at least one elevator.

  • What is setback from property line?

    While there are no guidelines for setback requirements enforced by the State of Michigan, the AAPS makes every attempt to exceed the last known State Guideline for building setback distance, which was a setback distance equal to the building’s height. In most cases, the AAPS can and does achieve 2 to 3 times this building setback distance.

  • Will new outdoor lighting systems be conducive to residential homes?

    The AAPS has elected to comply with the City of Ann Arbor’s Ordinances governing Light Trespass and Glare, which are intended to eliminate light pollution experienced by adjacent properties.

  • How does the State of Michigan review the plans?

    Plans are submitted by the licensed design professionals/engineers through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, to both the Bureau of Construction Codes and Bureau of Fire Safety Divisions for review, permits, and inspections.

  • What about existing low lying area/ponds, where will the water go?

    Every AAPS project utilizes professionals licensed in the State of MI to evaluate, design and plan solutions that meet all regulatory requirements while attempting to improve existing stormwater conditions. Development and redevelopment projects on District property are regulated under and must comply with the NPDES permit for stormwater discharges, as issued by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE).

  • What mitigation strategy will be employed to protect ecology during construction and demo operations?

    Development and redevelopment projects on District property are regulated under and must comply with the NPDES permit for stormwater discharges, as issued by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). Unless more stringent requirements apply, the AAPS elects to comply with and be inspected by the City of Ann Arbor for Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control measures.

  • Why are we adding a Preschool?

    AAPS is dedicated to early education which includes Preschool. By 2027 the State of Michigan has set a goal of Preschool for All four year olds and AAPS needs to be prepared to have space in every school to meet this State initiative.

  • With so much open space in new designs, how can a building be locked down for safety?

    Each major project involves professional safety consultants that develop a layered security approach. Best practice safety measures, including features such as secure entry vestibules, lock off points, etc. will be included in all new buildings.

    As part of the layered school safety plan, schools initiate and practice responses to threats that could occur both inside and outside a school campus. Procedures and protocols train for evacuation and reunification of students who may need to leave the campus proper.

  • Why is the new building placed where it is on the property?

    There are multiple factors involved in siting a school building. Primary considerations include adhering to all regulatory requirements, and maintaining safe and effective school operations for students and staff. Driving factors include soil bearing capacity, accommodations for stormwater management, the building’s solar orientation, accommodations for playgrounds (including during construction where a site remains occupied during construction), play fields, a means of providing separate pick-up / drop-off lanes for both parents and buses, suitable parking for all staff plus visitors, a means of providing safe vendor access to the completed building, provision of compliant fire lanes, accommodations for geothermal fields, and ample landscaping. For sites where a new building is constructed while an existing building remains occupied, the existing building and all its supporting site amenities must remain safely accessible for normal school operations.

  • Will construction damage the new roads?

    City and County roadways are built to withstand construction traffic. Any damage to City streets which is documented and attributable to school construction operations will be repaired as part of the project by the responsible party. For this reason, Construction Managers thoroughly document surrounding road conditions prior to mobilizing.

  • Construction costs have increased since Covid; what does that mean for the Bond?

    When establishing the initial amount required for the Bond, escalation costs were incorporated.

  • How will AAPS be better stewards of the environment?

    The AAPS maintains over 240 acres of undisturbed habitat. In addition to these significant set asides, the District has outlined the commitment to environmental sustainability through Board policy 8000 and the environmental sustainability framework.

  • Why not just improve this building?

    Where possible, our existing buildings will be improved as Major Modernizations (additions and renovations), but this is not feasible, or prudent, for each and every building. The Facilities Condition Assessment (FCA) provides baseline guidance on the work needed to improve buildings to good-to-excellent condition. Where the work required too closely compares in cost to new construction, where the result of a simply improved building would not also bring with it the other necessary improvements to the building, such as new Teaching and Learning spaces, Safety and Security infrastructure, Support Service spaces, Inclusivity, Occupant health and wellness, etc., an all-new building is the necessary option. Please also see FAQ regarding Staging.

  • How will new playgrounds compare to playgrounds we have now?

    Though existing playgrounds vary quite a bit across the AAPS, the intent of these projects is to improve the distribution, size, and design of new playgrounds as compared to existing versions. Attempts will be made for each project to locate playgrounds with optimal adjacencies to each building, to incorporate natural play elements into them, as well as traditional pre-manufactured playground equipment. Typical Elementary school projects will include three playgrounds: Preschool, Lower Elementary, and Upper Elementary.

  • Where will kids play during construction?

    Designated playgrounds and play areas will be made available during construction; however some playgrounds may have to be relocated before construction starts.

  • What will happen to the existing garden on the school site?

    Gardens are currently present at some school sites, either in the form of a Community garden (Project Grow, etc.), a school garden, or both. Current plans are to construct one garden per site (combined, where appropriate) and to locate them closer to each school to encourage student involvement, and to provide a reliable water source, storage shed, and fencing.

  • Is Solar going in?

    Rooftop photovoltaic (PV) arrays are planned as part of each major project, where feasible. In order to meet the District’s commitment to environmental sustainability, capacities of PV arrays will vary, depending on project-specific variables including roof size.

  • Is Geothermal going in?

    Geothermal bore fields are planned as part of each major project, where feasible. In order to meet the District’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the fields are typically sized for the building’s full heating / cooling load. In some cases, conditions may limit the geothermal field to a partial load capacity.

  • How long is demolition when an existing Elementary School will be demolished?

    Depending on the size of the building, deconstruction and demolition operations can extend up to 4 or 5 months, followed by weather-dependent site restoration activities.

  • What are hours for construction/noise ordinances?

    AAPS continues to work with contractors responsible for the work to comply with the hours of operation and noise levels outlined in the City of Ann Arbor municipal ordinance: Chapter 119 – Noise Control.

  • How long is an active construction zone?

    For a major project, the construction activity is typically two years; however projects which involve the deconstruction and demolition of existing buildings are extended beyond that.

  • What is the process for Capital Program to communicate and work with the Community?

    AAPS works with a number of internal and external stakeholders through the planning process. Project timelines, updates and meetings will be posted on a2schoolsbond.org

  • What is the timeline for typical projects? Does it vary by project type (New Construction vs. Major Modernization)?

    Typical major projects identified in the Phase 2 Capital Program Plan, regardless of type, have a +4-year duration. Year 1 is for planning and engagements, year 2 is for design and documentation, and years 3 & 4 are for construction, with building occupancy in the Fall near the end of year 4. On projects which involve existing building deconstruction and demolition, these activities, and related site developments, take place post-occupancy.

  • What is an FCA?

    A Facilities Condition Assessment (FCA) is a life cycle engineering analysis of the condition of a facility in terms of age, design, construction methods, and material. It identifies needed infrastructure investments and risks associated with continued deferral of maintenance and replacement investments. In 2018, an FCA was completed for all AAPS buildings. These can be found on the AAPS website at https://www.a2schools.org/Page/14683

  • Why are some schools being replaced when there are older schools?

    The average age of an elementary school in the AAPS is 70 years. The decision to replace versus renovate is based on information available through the Facilities Condition Assessment evaluation and the feasibility of meeting the target objectives outlined in the 2019 Bond commitments.

  • How can public feedback be provided?

    Feedback is welcome on the bond website through the ‘Contact Us’ form at https://a2schoolsbond.org/contact-us/

  • When is the next project meeting?

    When future meetings are scheduled, they will be announced in AAPS weekly emails and on the Bond website at www.a2schoolsbond.org. An email sign-up form is available for those who desire to be added to future Bond email updates, please sign-up here.

  • Are renderings available to the public?

    When available, renderings and conceptual images can be found on the a2schoolsbond.org web site at the project location.

  • Are plans available to the Community? What is the process for getting a copy of the plans? Is this an inquiry to the City of Ann Arbor?

    Conceptual project drawings and updates are made available through the website www.a2schoolsbond.org. Technical plans will be available publicly at the time the project is bid. These projects are subject to State of Michigan approval; site plan drawings submitted to the City of Ann Arbor are available through the City’s permitting portal.

  • When is the next AAPS Board of Education meeting?

    The Ann Arbor Board of Education’s calendar is publicly available at the following link: https://www.a2schools.org/Page/576

  • Who can questions be directed to, once the site and architectural designs are made available to view?

    Feedback is always welcome on the Bond website through the ‘Contact Us’ form at https://a2schoolsbond.org/contact-us/

  • Are project budgets available to the public?

    Bond expenditures and budget updates are available to the public in the form of annual reports presented to the Board of Education. Please visit https://a2schoolsbond.org/history/ for this information.

Slauson Middle School

Smaller (Individual) Projects

  • When will the 2023 Geothermal Work and Site Restoration at Clague be completed?

    The geothermal field restoration is on track to be completed by 7/26/23. Restoration grading and site concrete is scheduled to take place on 7/31/23 and final restoration will be completed thereafter.

  • What is Geothermal Drilling?

    Geothermal drilling is the process of using an advanced drilling system to cut boreholes into the earth and extract the earth’s heat. This new ground heat source requires the development of a well field outside of the school buildings at Clague Middle School and Forsythe Middle School, which will consist of over 100 bore holes that are nearly 500 ft deep.

  • What are the Benefits of a Geothermal System?

    Geothermal energy is more environmentally friendly than conventional fuel sources such as coal and other fossil fuels. It is a renewable energy source that is not only more reliable but also more cost effective for a building to use.

  • What are the Hours of Operation for the Geothermal Digging Projects?

    Drilling crews typically operate from 7:00am to 7:00pm Monday through Saturday. Because of the nature of this work, this is the most effective way to complete the work in a timely manner. If the crews were to reduce the hours of operation, they would extend the construction timeline into the winter months or spring, which is not feasible nor desirable.

  • Are there Noise Ordinances set by the city of Ann Arbor?

    AAPS continues to work with contractors responsible for the work to comply with the hours of operation and dB(A) levels outlined in the City of Ann Arbor municipal ordinance: Chapter 119 – Noise Control.

  • When will the 2022 Geothermal Drilling at Clague be completed?

    This project is expected to continue throughout the fall and has a completion date of November 2022.

    *This schedule is subject to change due to weather or unforeseen conditions.

  • When will the 2022 Geothermal Drilling at Forsythe be completed?

    This project is expected to continue throughout the fall and has a completion date of October 2022.

    *This schedule is subject to change due to weather or unforeseen conditions.

  • What was on the November 5, 2019 ballot?

    On November 5, 2019, voters in the Ann Arbor Public School District were asked to consider a bond proposal to upgrade school facilities and sites, enhance existing building security, and provide upgraded and sustainable learning environments throughout our district.  The bond program scope is based on a comprehensive facilities assessment conducted by independent architects and engineers to assess the improvements necessary to achieve the district’s goals and to keep our facilities in at least good condition.

    The bond proposal includes:

    • safety and security improvements
    • improvements to classrooms, laboratories, kitchens, performing and fine arts and pool facilities
    • solar, geothermal and other renewable energy improvements
    • furnishings and equipment
    • school buses and musical instruments
    • instructional technology equipment
    • site upgrades, including school gardens, athletic fields, athletic support facilities, playgrounds and parking

  • What are the key areas of focus in this bond proposal?

    The goals to prepare AAPS for current and future generations fall into four areas:

    • Teaching and Learning
    • Safety, Health and Well-Being
    • Sustainable and Environmentally Responsible Infrastructure
    • Efficient and Effective Support Systems and Services

    All of these items will be delivered with the goal of providing equity across the district. Detailed areas of focus, including key thematic goals and the infrastructure determined necessary to meet those goals are outlined in this document.

  • How was this plan developed?

    • We understand that the Ann Arbor Public Schools community values a quality education for every child. To deliver that quality education, our goal is to provide a building environment that directly supports student achievement and the core mission of the district.
    • The average age of the Ann Arbor Public School buildings is 63 years old with an average built year of 1956.
    • Due to aging school buildings, a life cycle Facilities Condition Assessment (FCA) was conducted by a professional architectural/engineering firm in 2017-2018 of every AAPS school.
    • The FCA included the following components:
      • Building Structure – foundation, superstructure and stairwells
      • Building Envelope – walls, windows, doors and roof
      • Site Improvements – parking lots, walkways, signage, fencing, athletic fields, etc.
      • Building Interiors – doors and finishes (floors, paint, cabinets, lockers, etc)
      • Building mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire safety (MEPR) Services – water systems, mechanical systems, electrical systems, elevators, fire safety systems, communications systems and security systems
      • Equipment and Furnishings – kitchen equipment, pool equipment, scoreboards, theater systems, etc.
    • Based on these findings the professional team determined the AAPS facilities are in good to fair condition and have had an adequate level of maintenance over the past few years. However, without substantial additional investment, many of the schools are likely to fall into the “poor” facility rating within a few years.
    • Using the Facilities Condition Assessment (FCA) a review of possible financial scenarios was conducted between December 2019 and June 2019.
    • Matching the facility assessment with the financing options, the professional team, along with the District, determined that getting voter approval of a bond proposal is the preferred approach to finance the growing and long-term facility goals of the District.
    • In addition to the FCA recommendations, this bond proposal includes bus purchases, technology, furniture, musical instruments, school gardens, improved kitchens, additions and new schools to meet enrollment growth as well as additional solar power, geothermal and remodeled classrooms to support goals of health and well-being.
    • This plan creates upgraded and improved learning environments that support our understanding of the expectations of our community.

  • What process will be used to engage the school communities in the design elements for the facility upgrades?

    Each school community will be engaged in the design process for their school.  The chart (below) describes the typical steps in the engagement process.

  • How are the final designs approved?

    As is district policy, the final designs and implementation plans are presented to the Board of Education for approval.

  • How and when will AAPS report bond project status to the Board and the Community?

    AAPS will report to the Board of Education and community on an annual basis.  The AAPS and school websites will regularly update information on the district and school-based projects.

  • What does AAPS and its contractors do to ensure site safety and security?

    Once construction contracts are awarded, the district’s bond program manager, project architects and engineers, and construction managers employ a number of construction related safety procedures including:

    • Site safety orientations for new trade contractors
    • Clear delineation between construction work areas and occupied school areas including fencing, barricades and appropriate signage
    • iCHAT State of Michigan background check completed for all on-site contractors
    • AAPS Contractor Identification Badges are provided to all on-site contractors and are required to be worn at all times on AAPS property
    • Close coordination with school building administration
    • Regular site inspections by the bond program management firm and AAPS personnel

  • How are neighboring districts addressing the aging condition of their school buildings?

    Voters in neighboring districts approved bond programs to invest in their aging buildings.  Surrounding districts such as Dexter, Saline and Whitmore Lake have all launched voter-supported financing for facility upgrades in recent years. The following chart includes our neighboring districts’ current bond and sinking fund millage rates in comparison to the Ann Arbor Public Schools.

  • What is the plan to keep facility improvement disruptions to a minimum?

    Work at our school facilities will be planned so it minimizes interference with day-to-day operations and pedestrian safety.  As the program commences, the construction schedule will be reviewed and coordinated, on a regular basis, with the superintendent and key building leaders.  While the summer construction season will be utilized for a majority of the work, if work is ongoing during school days, we will endeavor to have clear, defined separation between construction and ongoing operations through barricades and fencing.  Safety is paramount and will be a key factor in determining the construction sequencing. Implementation of the program will take place over a 20-year period and may include relocating schools to another facility in order to complete renovations.

    If the voters approve the bonds the district will establish a website with updates on construction sequencing for each school. Additional communication will be made through existing channels such as email, SchoolMessenger, etc.

  • What are the ages of the buildings in the Ann Arbor Public Schools?

    The average age of AAPS buildings is 63 years old.  Five AAPS schools are approaching their 100th birthday, constructed in the 1920’s: Angell, Ann Arbor Open, Bach, Burns Park and Community. A2 STEAM (Northside’s original building) and Slauson were added in the 1930’s, and the majority of the schools were built during the postwar years in Ann Arbor spanning the 1950’s through the 1970’s. Most recently, Skyline High School was built in 2008.

    School/ Building Name Year Built
    Bach Elementary 1922
    Community High School 1922
    Angell Elementary 1923
    Burns Park Elementary 1925
    Ann Arbor Open 1923
    Slauson Middle School 1937
    Ann Arbor STEAM 1939
    Pittsfield Elementary 1944
    Pathways to Success 1949
    Eberwhite Elementary 1950
    Tappan Middle School 1950
    Mitchell Elementary 1951
    Freeman Elementary 1952
    Carpenter Elementary 1953
    Haisley Elementary 1954
    Pioneer High School 1956
    Dicken Elementary 1957
    Pattengill Elementary 1957
    Wines Elementary 1960
    Forsythe Middle School 1960
    Allen Elementary 1961
    Lakewood Elementary 1961
    Abbot Elementary 1962
    Lawton Elementary 1963
    Thurston Elementary 1963
    Scarlett Middle School 1968
    King Elementary 1969
    Huron High School 1969
    Balas Admin Building 1971
    Clague Middle School 1972
    Bryant Elementary 1973
    Logan Elementary 1977
    Transportation 1982
    Preschool & Family Ctr 1990
    Skyline High School 2008
    Average Year Built 1956
    Average Age 63

  • Can money from the bond program be used to pay for salaries and benefits?

    No, that is against state law. Bond dollars cannot be used for operation expenses such as employee salaries, repairs, maintenance, or energy costs. Bond program funds must be accounted for separately from general operating funds.  Bond funds are also subject to audit.

  • Please explain what bond program money can cover and what it cannot.

    Bond proceeds cannot be used for the following items:

    • Salaries and wages
    • General operating expenses and maintenance
    • Classroom supplies and textbooks
    		 Bond proceeds can be used for the following items:

    • Construction and remodeling of facilities
    • Purchase of technology equipment
    • Equipment and furniture
    • Site improvements
    • Bus purchases

  • What has happened with the Sinking Fund that the voters passed in May 2017? Why isn’t that enough money to fund these infrastructure improvements?

    A Sinking Fund is a millage levied in Michigan dedicated to support the repair and construction of school buildings.  The Sinking Fund is a pay-as-you-go method for building repairs and projects. The district does not pay interest on the money used. All of the work that is paid by sinking funds must be competitively bid and contracted.  None of the sinking funds can be paid to employees.  Here are some examples of what the sinking fund can pay for:

    • Boilers to heat buildings
    • Paving of parking lot
    • Roofing
    • Building system replacements such as HVAC and plumbing
    • Accessibility needs as per the Americans with Disabilities Act

    Sinking funds cannot be used to pay for instructional programs or salaries.

    Work accomplished with AAPS Sinking Funds from 2017 through summer 2019 includes:

    Roofing $ 4,642,000
    Paving $ 5,443,000
    Additions $10,905,000
    Renovations $ 5,173,000
    Playgrounds $ 2,746,000
    Athletics $ 4,638,000
    Water Quality $ 1,200,000
    Other Repairs $ 22,404,000
    TOTAL $ 57,151,000

    School bond proceeds can fund major capital investment in our schools, which we would utilize to support program and curriculum, to prepare for increased enrollment and to provide equity among buildings.

    Work accomplished with 2015 Bond Funds through summer 2019 includes:

    Replacement of Bus Fleet $10,400,000
    New Classroom Furniture $10,900,000
    Security and Safety Systems $2,900,000
    Musical Instrument Replacement $3,000,000
    Performing Arts Facility Needs $450,000
    Athletic Fields & Facility Needs $1,000,00
    Playgrounds $478,000
    Equipment $1,250,000
    TOTAL $30,378,000

Thurston Elementary