FAQs

Burns Park Elementary

• BUR #9. Does the school stay together, or mix with Mitchell?

  The Burns Park school community will stay together and occupy the old (existing) Mitchell school building. The Mitchell students and staff will be together in the new Mitchell Elementary School building and site.

• BUR #8. Are there plans to preserve the historic existing building?

  Yes. The design team selected for this project has been recognized for their work in historic preservation and sustainability.

• BUR #7. Is this building being torn down?

  The District is gathering feedback from internal and external stakeholders on the programmatic needs to best support commitments to students and staff. The District endeavors to preserve the original (historic) building and will assess the value of existing additions to support District goals and objectives. In any solution, the modulars will likely be removed and repurposed elsewhere.

• BUR #6. When is work starting?

  The current plan is to start construction during Summer of 2027.

• BUR #5. Has the location of any additions been chosen?

  The District is gathering feedback from internal and external stakeholders on the programmatic needs to best support our commitments to students and staff. Any proposed additions will be based on a number of considerations and inputs. A location and need has not been determined at this time.

• BUR #4. What is the nature of the addition, from a preservation POV?

  No determinations regarding aesthetics have been made at this point.

• BUR #3. Are you opening up the original road cutting through the site?

  The AAPS has no plans to construct a road connecting Granger and Wells. The land where such a connection would occur is City property.

• BUR #2. Where are the project limits? How much of the Park will be disturbed?

  Burns Park Elementary occupies roughly 4 acres and currently shares limited amenities with Burns Park. No specific project particulars have been determined at this point with respect to modifications to those shared amenities.

• BUR #1. How does this project relate to Burns Park?

  The District anticipates requesting both temporary and limited permanent easements to support mutual goals and benefits.

Dicken Elementary

• DIC #9. Dicken is bus site for middle schoolers, will that change?

  We do not expect the Slauson pick up for Dicken students to change. We may need to change the exact pick up location of this bus when construction begins but we will notify Slauson parents if a temporary change needs to be made.

• DIC #8. What about Geothermal borehole noise?

  The AAPS will work to keep construction noise to a minimum and will adhere to City of Ann Arbor Noise Ordinance while providing notice to our neighbors, in advance of when this temporary construction activity will be scheduled.

• DIC #7. Is the new school going where the ball field is?

  The new school will be located South of the existing school, in the area of the open field and the ball diamond.

• DIC #6. Will the Memorial bench on playground be relocated?

  Yes, the Memorial bench will be relocated.

• DIC #5. Are we adding additional bike areas?

  The new school is expected to have more bike parking than it does today, more conveniently located, and a portion of which will be under cover.

• DIC #4. Where is trash pickup going to be?

  The solid waste and receiving area of the new school will be on the East side, toward the southern corner of the building.

• DIC #3. What about Runnymede path safety?

  Safe and convenient access to and from the school, from Runnymede, is a primary project consideration.

• DIC #2. Will Waltham Drive sidewalk be closed for two years?

  The AAPS will work with the project’s Construction Manager and the School to determine whether the Waltham Drive access sidewalk can remain open during construction. Should it remain open, Students, staff and visitors can expect physical separation barriers, signage, and guidance allowing for safe walking paths during construction.

• DIC #1. What is the egress for construction traffic?

  It is expected that all construction traffic will use temporary construction access from Runnymede, separating all construction activities from normal school operations for the duration of the temporary construction project.

King Elementary

• KIN #10. Will the new plan make it safer for walkers and bikers to access the site?

  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.

• KIN #9. How will you deal with parking shortages, and how will the solution protect greenspace?

  All site-related objectives are considered and evaluated in a holistic way. With each project the district endeavors to correct existing site deficiencies without creating new equal deficiencies.

• KIN #8. Will community amenities, like walking paths, be kept on site?

  The District will weigh all community input and make every attempt to accommodate all requests. At this time, no commitments on site particulars are possible.

• KIN #7. Are natural buffers planned for neighbors?

  The District anticipates more plantings than currently exist on the site, with enhanced natural buffers where feasible.

• KIN #6. Is it too late to provide feedback?

  The project is in the early stages of conceptual planning (as of Spring 2025), and feedback is welcome at any time.

• KIN #5. What does a Program Manager do?

  A Program Manager is an Owner’s Representative. Main support roles include assistance with project planning, development, oversight, schedule management, quality assurance, and risk management.

• KIN #4. Have you explored the use of pervious surfaces, where pavements are planned?

  The District is piloting select pervious surface treatments in other locations and may implement this strategy more broadly if the results are positive.

• KIN #3. Will parents be able to visit old Logan, maybe in an Open House setting, to understand where their children will stage for 2 years?

  The District anticipates opportunities will be available for families in advance of the staging school year.

• KIN #2. What is the timing of the project?

  Two years of planning will conclude in early Winter 2027, followed by two years of construction. The new building is slated to be ready for occupancy for the start of the 2029 / 2030 school year.

• KIN #1. Why aren't we getting a new building? That's what the Bond Plan says.

  The project is in the early stages of conceptual planning, and the District is exploring the possibility of utilizing as much carbon-intensive existing infrastructure as possible. This is in response to feedback the district has received on the commitment to environmental sustainability. However, if overall District goals and objectives for learning environments cannot be met with a Major Modernization, the District will evaluate New Construction alternatives.

Lakewood Elementary

• LAK #8. Can we request some rooms be set aside in the new school for a "Senior Center"?

  Groups may request after-school and evening weekday use, as well as weekend use, in elementary and middle schools by going to https://reced.a2schools.org/about3/reserve-facilities. While the District rents out space through Rec & Ed, the City of Ann Arbor provides senior activities https://www.a2gov.org/parks-and-recreation/parks-and-places/ann-arbor-senior-center/

• LAK #7. What about noise control for students?

  Temporary construction disruptions of all types will be kept to a minimum for students, staff and school community.

• LAK #6. What will happen to walking paths?

  Existing seasonal walking paths will be modified, but resulting paths will represent an expansion of this valuable Community asset.

• LAK #5. Including Lakewood Woods in the design is desired by the Community, will it be?

  The project is not anticipated to disturb Lakewood Woods. Increased accessibility to the Woods is a project goal.

• LAK #4. Will other schools be staged at old Lakewood Elementary?

  No, the existing Lakewood will be demolished starting in the Summer of 2028, prior to occupancy of new Lakewood in Fall of 2028.

• LAK #3. What is the distance for buses?

  The bus drop-off and pick-up lane will be located approximately 40′ from neighboring property lines.

• LAK #2. How can speeders be addressed?

  Speeding on city streets is enforced by the City of Ann Arbor Police Department. If a person suspects speeding, they need to contact AAPD. Residents can also ask for a road patrol to be stationed on the streets to monitor speeding. AAPS implements a safe routes to school program with assistance from City of Ann Arbor traffic engineers and law enforcement and through education and enforcement we can implement some programs.

• LAK #1. Will neighbors expect more vehicular traffic?

  Traffic volumes are not expected to change, other than regular yearly fluctuations. Distribution of traffic is not expected to change significantly either.

Lawton Elementary

• LAW #30. Why does the new plan expand the parking lot to 10 times its current size?

  The parking lot is designed to support staff members and a limited number of visitors to the site. The existing parking lot supports 60 automobiles. The conceptual plan shared publicly at the Open House identifies spaces for 96 automobiles, including spaces for staff, visitors and electric vehicle charging. Based on Community feedback, the design team has been directed to minimize paving further and to explore the possibility that some of the remaining unpaved area could be used as high-quality student-occupied outdoor space.

• LAW #29. Why are you eliminating all the green space for children in favor of parking? What are the negative impacts to the Community of the loss of all the greenspace?

  The proposed site plan is intended to meet all regulatory requirements and improve safety, which include increased storm water infrastructure, life safety and fire department requirements, a separated bus and vehicular traffic solution to enhance student safety, new outdoor project learning terraces, and enhanced natural buffers. Lawton Park will continue to be used as open field play space by the school and the community.

• LAW #28. What is the primary motivation for this project and why does it justify the negative impacts it will have on the Community?

  The motivation behind all AAPS projects is to transform the student learning experience with the goal of providing for the health, safety, and well-being of all students in high-quality, equitable, and environmentally sustainable schools. Any trade-offs necessary to meet these goals are minimized to the greatest extent possible.

• LAW #27. If the primary justification of this project is to improve conditions for students and teachers, why does achieving those goals require an all-new building?

  AAPS students and staff can spend 80% or more of the school day inside a school building. Lawton is 62 years old and in need of significant systemic capital needs identified through the facility condition assessment, conducted in 2018. The configuration and construction type of the existing building presents more challenges to meeting the the District’s objectives than can be mitigated in a renovation project. These include difficulties improving energy performance, improving indoor air quality, adding fire suppression, improving security, and creating spaces expected for 21st-Century Teaching and Learning, among others

• LAW #26. You say this is a green project, but how green can it be if you’re demolishing the existing school?

  The construction style, type and age of the existing school building create a number of barriers to adaptive reuse or deep retrofit efforts to support a healthy, high performance learning environment for Lawton students and staff. The additions to the original building were needed at the time of construction, but are now at or near the end of useful life. Not only will the new school building meet the green building standards outlined in the US Collaborative for High Performance Schools, but efforts will be made to salvage as much of the carbon-sequestering structural wood frame as possible. This material will be captured for re-use elsewhere, and most other major carbon-intensive superstructural elements, including concrete, will also be recycled for re-use.

• LAW #25. The Phase 2 Plan shows Old Lawton being used for staging Bach and Eberwhite. How will that be possible on this site without serious consequences to school operations?

  Please see previous Lawton FAQ #2.

• LAW #24. What is the timeframe for this project?

  The current plan is to finalize design by the end of 2025 and break ground in the Spring of 2026, with occupancy of the building in the Fall of 2028. This timeline and the current project, as proposed, is predicated on gaining approval from the City of Ann Arbor.

• LAW #23. Why not stage Lawton somewhere and rebuild in the current location?

  Please see previous FAQ under New Construction / Major Projects #36.

• LAW #22. Why are some schools replaced and some renovated, and when was that decision made?

  Construction type decisions (New Construction vs. Major Modernizations) were approved by the Board in 2022.

• LAW #21. What can you tell us about the Community Connector?

  The intent of the Community Connector is to enhance shared community amenities that have been present on the Lawton Park / Lawton Elementary site since their joint inception in the early 1960s. These include playgrounds, gardens, blacktop areas, a promenade with seating, picnic tables, and shade trees. Further, this area also can support current life safety and fire department requirements.

• LAW #20. What are you doing about the soggy ground in Lawton Park that frequently makes it unusable?

  The District is open to exploring selective re-grading and restoration of playfields with the City of Ann Arbor to improve usability for all. This would require collaboration with the City.

• LAW #19. Our yards and basements experience frequent water issues. What are you doing to fix that problem?

  The storm water management system is designed in accordance with the State of Michigan MS4 Permit Number MI0060234, and will be reviewed for compliance by a third-party engineering firm authorized by the State of Michigan EGLE (Department of the Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy) to monitor compliance for the Ann Arbor Public School District. The City of Ann Arbor will also review the proposed plan to ensure that it does not negatively impact their storm sewer system.

• LAW #18. How many parking spaces are needed and how that is determined?

  The District’s intent is to provide on-site parking for all staff who are in the building at any one time (regular day-to-day operations), plus spaces for 10 visitors.

• LAW #17. Is there a way to reduce planned driving surfaces in front of the school?

  The District has tasked the design professionals with exploring ways to decrease area devoted to vehicles, while still maintaining safety practices expected of today’s schools.

• LAW #16. Will drainage issues be improved?

  Today, the site features few storm water management measures. However, in order to comply with Storm water Management regulatory requirements, the entire site will be brought up to current standards. This will bring noticeable drainage improvements. However, not all conditions which may be impacting neighboring properties are within the District’s control.

• LAW #15. Are there safety concerns with students using playground equipment that is in the city park?

  The District acknowledges that it cannot prohibit people from utilizing City Park property. Playground safety standards used by the City are similar, if not identical, to those used by the District, so safety-related issues are not expected. Note that all playgrounds currently on the shared site today are designed to meet the District standards, as they are all on District property. As a result, safety standards for any playground equipment the City permits in the park will meet the same standard as current playgrounds.

• LAW #14. Will construction be disruptive for students?

  Please see previous FAQ under New Construction / Major Projects.

• LAW #13. Where will students play during construction?

  Please see previous FAQ under New Construction / Major Projects #18.

• LAW #12. What determines the size of the new school?

  The building design parameters, developed in conjunction with school staff, school leadership, and the District, determines the building size.

• LAW #11. Why are we designing for more students/ why a 4-section school?

  Very recently, in the Fall of 2020, Lawton had an enrollment equal to a 4-section school. Enrollment has decreased since then, influenced by several variables. However, the current plan is to construct a school which is capable of accommodating this recent enrollment.

• LAW #10. Where will performances and assemblies happen?

  In the proposed designs, schools will contain a series of gathering spaces, accommodating one whole grade level, up to two grade levels, half the school, and the whole school. Often, the number of gathering spaces increases from one to eight or nine.

• LAW #9. What is the emergency plan for fire and tornados?

  Emergency plans are developed at the District level with assistance from consultants, and respond to the conditions present on each site. A new building design will support an emergency plan.

• LAW #8. What about special need students that are on the 2nd floor and cannot exit through stairs?

  Please see previous FAQ under New Construction / Major Projects #32.

• LAW #7. Who will maintain elements installed by the AAPS on City of Ann Arbor parkland?

  Conversations with the City are still underway, but the current expectation is that all elements installed by the AAPS on City parkland will be maintained by the AAPS.

• LAW #6. Is there a current city connector (playground/shared city park) in the city now?

  There are no specific examples of current joint City Park / AAPS developments.  Burns Park / Burns Park Elementary has a condition today that is similar to what is planned at Lawton. Currently, AAPS amenities exist on Burns Park City parkland, available for use by the neighboring community, in addition to the City’s own park amenities.

• LAW #5. Can we do a hybrid instead of total rebuild?

  This option was evaluated and deemed not feasible. It does not meet District objectives.

• LAW #4. Are you aware of the corner of the Park, where the ground floods every decade?

  This information will be communicated to the City of Ann Arbor, regarding the Lawton project.

• LAW #3. Can we stage Lawton students at Mitchell?

  This option was evaluated and deemed not feasible. It does not meet District objectives.

• LAW #2. On page 14 of the presentation, it says that Old Lawton will be used to stage Eberwhite and Bach in 2028-2030. However, on page 16 it says that Old Lawton will be deconstructed and demolished in the Fall of 2028 when new Lawton is complete. Which is it?

  Staging was the original intent but after further evaluation, was deemed not feasible. Page 16 reflects the current plan.

• LAW #1. How will traffic be mitigated during construction?

  It is expected that all construction traffic will use temporary construction access from Mershon, separating all construction activities from normal school operations for the duration of the temporary construction project.

Logan Elementary

• LOG #17. Can a joint comprehensive study with the City be requested?

  The AAPS and the City of Ann Arbor continue to work closely together on a comprehensive solution based on traffic studies and additional assessments for the Logan/Nixon Rd project.

• LOG #16. Is AAPS coordinating with the City regarding child safety?

  The AAPS works very closely with the City of Ann Arbor Traffic Engineers with the goal of improving pedestrian safety at all school locations.

• LOG #15. Was a pedestrian bridge considered?

  Pedestrian bridges require hundreds of feet of space on either side of the bridge, in order to meet the standard elevation requirements. There is not enough ground space to achieve this.

• LOG #14. Will there be 3 crossing guards at Traver?

  The AAPS continues to work with the City of Ann Arbor on the placement of a crossing guard at the Traver/Nixon pedestrian crossing, ensuring it will align with the placement of the designated crosswalk to improve safety for students and pedestrians.

• LOG #13. Most children walk to school, how will they get to the new school?

  The AAPS always encourages students to walk to school who live in the 1.25 mile walk zone. The crossing at Traver and Nixon are safe crossings with the addition of the roundabout on Nixon and the continued presence of the crossing guard.

• LOG #12. How will a roundabout work for child safety and traffic increases?

  Single-lane roundabouts, such as those planned by the City of Ann Arbor for the Nixon Road Improvement Project, are well-documented to be greatly beneficial for pedestrians.  Roundabouts reduce vehicle / pedestrian conflict points by over 60% (as compared to the existing three-way intersection at Traver / Nixon today), and roundabouts reduce vehicle speeds by approximately half, to between 15 and 18 mph. Splitter (aka refuge) islands are part of the City’s plans too, and these greatly benefit pedestrians by requiring them to only navigate one direction of traffic at a time.  By posting a Crossing Guard at this intersection, benefits to pedestrians are increased even more.  Note also that the AAPS continues to advocate for any available additional improvements and enhancements to support the safety of AAPS students.

• LOG #11. Is the benefit of a new school for more students?

  The objective of the Capital Program is to transform the student learning experience with the goal of providing for the health, safety, and well-being of all students in high-quality, equitable, and environmentally sustainable schools.

• LOG #10. Will there be a disruption to Clague outside spaces?

  Temporary adjustments are expected to impact Clague during construction, however, all essential functions for Clague’s students and staff will be kept available in a safe manner.

• LOG #9. New Logan is part two story, will the profile be similar to Clague?

  The two story sections of new Logan’s height will be similar to that of Clague Middle school.

• LOG #8. Will the Geothermal field at Clague have to be redone?

  No, new Logan will be outfitted with a separate geothermal field. Each field will serve its own building.

• LOG #7. Will the Clague tennis courts be retained?

  The tennis courts will be permanently removed.

• LOG #6. Will the seasonal trail at Clague be retained?

  The existing seasonal trail will be modified; but resulting trails will represent an expansion of this valuable Community asset.

• LOG #5. There are 3 schools in a small area, can District lines be redrawn?

  There are no plans to redistrict at this time.

• LOG #4 Will students stay at Logan until the new school is finished? What happens after?

  Students will remain at existing Logan Elementary for the duration of the construction project and existing Logan will stage King for two years thereafter.

• LOG #3. Why does Thurston have to be rebuilt at same time as Logan?

  The timing of schools and the discussion on the roadmap is explained in the Phase 2 Bond Plan. Presentation can be seen here.

• LOG #2. Can we coordinate a meeting with both the City of Ann Arbor and AAPS to speak to the Community?

  The AAPS has requested a joint meeting for the Logan Community, attended by the AAPS and the City of Ann Arbor, and will announce a date / time when available.

• LOG #1. Is this (plan) going to lead to parents pulling off on Argonne?

  The AAPS is providing safe, convenient, and ample opportunities for dropping-off and picking-up on site.

New Construction / Major Projects

• NC/MP #45. What sound mitigation measures will be implemented to lessen the impact on distraction in classes during major construction, and specifically with regards to sensory-sensitive or neurodiverse students?

  • The District expects that sound barriers will be utilized in specific recommended applications to reduce interior sound decibel (dBa) level. Solutions are anticipated to be installed in Summer in advance of the beginning of the school year.
  • District consultants are evaluating solutions and will provide recommendations on specific products to be used for sound mitigation.
  • Sound barrier solutions will likely be applied to physical safety barriers (construction fencing), but will be based on recommendations.
  • The District expects to utilize the recommendations provided by professional consultants to determine sufficient sound mitigation efforts.

• NC/MP #44. Why are multiple schools being built at the same time?

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

• NC/MP #43. 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.

• NC/MP #42. 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.

• NC/MP #41. 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.

• NC/MP #40. 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.

• NC/MP #39. 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.

• NC/MP #38. What would delay construction, if anything?

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

• NC/MP #37. Do you have support of parents to build a new school?

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

• NC/MP #36. 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.

  AAPS General Staging Information – view on YouTube

• NC/MP #35. 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.

• NC/MP #34. 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.

  Site Safety & Security Measures During Construction

• NC/MP #33. 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.

• NC/MP #32. Will there be an elevator in the new building?

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

• NC/MP #31. 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.

• NC/MP #30. 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.

• NC/MP #29. 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.

• NC/MP #28. 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).

• NC/MP #27. 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.

• NC/MP #26. 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.

• NC/MP #25. 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.

• NC/MP #24. 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.

• NC/MP #23. 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.

• NC/MP #22. 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.

• NC/MP #21. 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.

• NC/MP #20. 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.

• NC/MP #19. 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.

• NC/MP #18. 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.

• NC/MP #17. 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.

• NC/MP #16. 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.

• NC/MP #15. 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.

• NC/MP #14. 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.

• NC/MP #13. 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.

• NC/MP #12. 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.

• NC/MP #11. 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

• NC/MP #10. 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.

• NC/MP #9. 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

• NC/MP #8. 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.

• NC/MP #7. How can public feedback be provided?

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

• NC/MP #6. 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.

• NC/MP #5. 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.

• NC/MP #4. 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.

• NC/MP #3. 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

• NC/MP #2. 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/

• NC/MP #1. 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

• SLA #8. Will there be more traffic on Crest?

  AAPS is looking for ways to ease congestion on Washington and 8th streets, increase overall distribution of drop-offs and pickups, and hopes that improvements for drop-off and access to the school on Crest will do so, which may represent a slight increase in traffic on Crest.

• SLA #7. Is the parking lot on Washington getting a new curb cut?

  Plans include changing the Washington Street curb cuts for the main parking lot, reducing the two existing drives to one, at a greater distance from the Washington / 9th Street intersection.

• SLA #6. Will the sled hill be preserved?

  Currently, there are no plans to impact the sledding hill.

• SLA #5. Are you trying to preserve the historical aspect?

  The result of the work will be to restore the original 1937 Washington Street facade to its original condition, plus to protect strategic historically-significant elements on the inside and outside of the building.

• SLA #4. What is the auditorium plan?

  The current plan is to improve lighting, sound, and accessibility for the Auditorium, plus establish an improved Lobby for large gatherings.

• SLA #3. Where do the students go during construction?

  The phased approach for construction accommodates all students and staff within the building, in suitable spaces to maintain a quality learning environment.

• SLA #2. Where is the timeline for it all?

  The major modernization of Slauson is currently planned as a 5 year phased project, with construction occurring in an occupied building. The District continues to pursue a reduction in phasing and the impact on students and teachers.

• SLA #1. How will demo affect the Spring Semester 2025?

  Demolition of the pool is expected to have minimal impact on school operations. However, it will be necessary to create a physical separation barrier with signage and guidance in order to ensure safety for all students, staff and visitors.

Smaller (Individual) Projects

• SP #20. 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.

• SP #19. 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.

• SP #18. 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.

• SP #17. 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.

• SP #16. 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.

• SP #15. 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.

• SP #14. 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.

• SP #13. 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

• SP #12. 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.

• SP #11. 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.

• SP #10. 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.

  

• SP #9. 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.

• SP #8. 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.

• SP #7. 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

• SP #6. 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.

  

• SP #5. 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.

• SP #4. 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

• SP #3. 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.

• SP #2. 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

• SP #1. 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

• THU #72. The Thurston Nature Center habitats have been improved and maintained in collaboration between the community and AAPS. As a result, these projects and areas are well documented. Recently BOE members have revealed a lack of knowledge around key site features. What plans does AAPS have to bring all planners and decision makers up to speed with relevant knowledge about the site?

  The Thurston Nature Center is not only the pride of the neighborhood, but it is a gem of the Ann Arbor Public Schools.  We have previously enjoyed a close relationship with the TNC “caretakers” as we do at Scarlett Woods and other green spaces that the district owns. We do know that more recently the communication between the TNC and AAPS has waned and project coordination has not been as strong. AAPS commits to reestablishing this relationship as it is vital to the life of the TNC. True for many AAPS owned properties, it takes a coordinated process bringing experts to the table to address the various decisions and situations that may arise, especially on property that is used for recreational purposes and contains a wide variety of wildlife and natural areas.

  AAPS has recently seated three new Trustees. They are less than two months into their term and the bond team meets with them frequently to keep them informed of every 2019 bond, not just Thurston. The role of the AAPS administration is to bring plans to the Trustees that have been developed by experts and then to explain the reasoning behind the decision-making process of the plan and answer any questions. It is not the role of the Trustees to become experts on every detailed aspect of the district’s bond plan. With the information presented to the Board of Education, it is expected that the administration team will respond to all inquiries and bring the experts to the table for questions and concerns. It is unrealistic to expect Trustees to be experts in every detail of site features. That is the responsibility of the administration.

• THU #71. There is a lot of confusion regarding building timelines. What is the formal bid acceptance timeline for the Thurston project?

  Bids for Thurston will be accepted on February 20, 2025, and will undergo a rigorous process to evaluate qualifications and completeness before being presented to the Bond Committee for recommendation no earlier than mid-March 2025.

• THU #70. Many have lost faith in the AAPS board of education and will never support another bond. How do you plan to regain community trust? What considerations for the long term financial health of the district have been made in the event that future bonds fail to get passed?

  AAPS greatly appreciates the decades of support it has received from the Ann Arbor area voters. This wide community understands and embraces the importance of an excellent public school system foremost for students but also for the vitality and health of the entire geographic area. The 2019 bond was a large ask to this community and with the support it garnered, it has allowed AAPS to plan 20 years out to ensure the old and aging facilities can be built new or remodeled to provide students and staff with much upgraded learning space.

  The 2019 bond plan was created after a thorough facilities assessment to address schools that have the highest facility needs first. It also includes thoughtful renovation projects on historical buildings that have a long history in this community. The buildings from the 50’s and 60’s were not built with 100 years expected life. This includes Thurston. As the community grows and instruction evolves, the need to provide updated, safe and innovative learning spaces is the priority for AAPS.

  We also understand that for the Thurston community there were vital missteps in engagement. We own these missteps and have corrected our process. While these missteps created a lack of faith in the district’s plan for Thurston, we have committed to always provide fully vetted and researched plans from experienced architects, contract managers and environmental specialists. We commit that while the process of communication was not optimal, the plan is not flawed. We have listened to the community and made adjustments in the design where feasible. We believe that as a community we want the same outcome for our students: a better learning environment on a property that offers space to ensure continuity for students while committing to revitalizing the curriculum using the resource rich Thurston Nature Center.

• THU #69. Thurston attracts ASD students due to the low-sensory environment provided by the Nature Center. Construction will disrupt this. How will IEP stipulated sensory breaks be provided in this environment?

  AAPS will be working with the school Building Principal and staff to address these concerns.

• THU #68. Due to the tight construction footprint, a local construction hygienist has raised concern for dust exposure for children with health conditions. Water trucks are not foolproof (especially during times of unpredictable winds). Additionally, the trucks can only be used on the dirt areas around the site but not directly on the actual work areas (where active construction workers would be in the way). What other safety measures have been put in place for the students and teachers during construction to prevent negative respiratory health outcomes?

  In the current plan, the dustiest work will take place on site during the summer months, and/or when school is not in session.

• THU #67. No alternatives have been formally presented to the BOE nor public for logistics and cost. How does the cost of building in the new location (near the pond) compare with building closer to the current location of the school?

  We don’t have final costs from bids at this time.  The current plan is more cost-effective than any plan that involves constructing a new school, plus staging.

• THU #66. The now defunct bond advisory committee was supposed to provide relevant expertise throughout the planning process. When will this committee be reassembled? Who will be considered?

  This is currently being considered by the Board of Education.

• THU #65. The final recess spaces will be small and segmented, and in between motive car areas. How will AAPS provide additional resources for monitoring the various recess areas?

  Final outdoor play area size will increase over what is present today, with playgrounds provided of the same size as today, formal playfield areas of the same size, and additional blacktop areas.

  The bus loop is gated and will remain vacant during school hours other than pick-up and drop-off times.  The parent and staff parking driveway will see very little traffic through the day, with the highest concentration at pick-up and drop-off times.  For the rest of the day, very small numbers of drivers will use these drives, travelling at very low speed limits.

  This is no different than conditions at the majority of the AAPS’ school sites today.

  Monitoring of recess is not expected to be any different than it is today.

• THU #64. Many adjacent neighbors have already experienced flooding. What type of liability insurance will AAPS be providing to the surrounding homes to cover such events if construction exacerbates area flooding?

  Current plans will improve surface and sub-surface water conditions controllable by the District (i.e. issues emanating from on-site), but will have no effect on pre-existing flooding conditions which do not emanate from on site.

  Construction grading, utility, and storm water designs have been carefully prepared to ensure that flooding conditions will not be exacerbated or made worse.  Storm water flow rates and volumes are being spread to the existing outlet points and will be reduced as a result of storm water detention and infiltration systems.

  All planned infiltration will occur 7-8 feet below basement levels and will not exacerbate basement flooding.

  All designs are compliant with all regulations to protect neighboring properties.

• THU #63. EGLE has to legally approve any site near water but has not been contacted for a permit. EGLE has indicated that it is highly unusual to not have permits in hand this close to the start of construction. Why has this permit not yet been submitted?

  An EGLE permit is applied for by the City of Ann Arbor after its Preliminary Plan process is completed.  This process has been slowed, as compared to other AAPS projects, to allow the Professional Team to respond to Community concerns, but construction work will only take place after the necessary approvals have been granted.

  If this inquiry refers to a Wetland, Lakes, and Streams permit, proposed work is not considered close to the waterbody or wetland by State standards, so this permit is not required.

  If this inquiry refers to an SESC Notice of Coverage, this will be obtained after the City issues an SESC permit, which is obtained after the Preliminary Plan approval.  Technically, this is a notification to the State that local coverage for SESC has been obtained and is not generally requested / granted until just before construction starts, as these permits require the name and contact information of the people performing the earthwork.

  The typical process for this work is as follows:

  1. A project is bid and an Earthwork Contractor officially enters under contract, then . . .
  2. The earthwork contractor applies for and obtains the City SESC permit, then . . .
  3. The Notice of SESC Coverage is sent to the State and construction may begin.

  It is not unusual for SESC and NOC paperwork to be finalized in the days immediately preceding mobilization.

• THU #62. The Huron River Watershed Council has formally contacted AAPS with concerns about this project. Why were local environmental groups not included in the planning process? When do you plan to remedy this oversight?

  The AAPS is not required to include environmental groups in the planning process but is instead extensively regulated by appropriate Regulatory Agencies, including, for Stormwater plans, the District’s MS4, the City of Ann Arbor, and EGLE.

  The HRWC is not a regulatory agency, but they are an important community organization; AAPS has reached out and will continue to do so.

• THU #61. Construction projects legally require a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan. Where is Gilbane’s SWPP? Who has verified this is compliant with the Huron River Watershed Council requirements?

  Gilbane is not the author of the plan.  Gilbane is the AAPS Owner’s Representative.

  In the state of Michigan, Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans are referred to as a Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control (SESC) Plans.  SESC plans have been prepared by the project’s Civil Engineer.  A Sedimentation Control Permit will be obtained by the City of Ann Arbor, with regular inspections held by City Staff.  The Construction Manager will also retain a Certified Storm water Operator on the project, ensuring the sediment and erosion is controlled in accordance with all applicable regulations.

  A Notice of Coverage (of the SESC plan) will also be filed with Michigan EGLE prior to mobilization.

  The HRWC is not a Storm water Authority and does not review or approve plans.

• THU #60. Re-grading the entire school site to mitigate settling soil will be expensive and time consuming. How much does this cost compared to building on the well drained high point of the site closer to the current school?

  The Geotechnical Report does not state that the entire site needs to be regraded.  Particular areas of concern for sub-surface conditions are identified, for which compliant mitigation measures have been implemented in the current design.

• THU #59. A wetland delineation report is typically required when building near water. What study was performed by Gilbane? Who from AAPS has reviewed it?

  Wetland delineations are conducted when conditions present on a site suggest the presence of Wetlands.

  Wetland delineations for Thurston were conducted by Barr Engineering on February 21, 2023, and field-located by Spalding DeDecker on March 3 and 20, 2023.  Findings from the delineation appear on the project’s Topographical Survey made publicly available in early February 2025.

  The Thurston project stays at least 100’ away from delineated Wetlands.  No permit is required from the City or State for any work that is greater than 25’ from a wetland boundary.

• THU #58. This build has several complicated aspects as a result of moving the new building so close to the pond. Additional expenses include dewatering and deep pile foundation installation. What are the final bid costs, and how does this compare to the initial estimates?

  We do not have final bid costs at this time, but soils conditions are included in AAPS’ budgets for each project.

• THU #57. Many parents and teachers are concerned with little kids getting in the pond due to the new proximity. What safety measures will be put in place to avoid drowning?

  While the current plan places the new building closer to the pond, the concerns remain very similar to present conditions.  Students and non-students have been frequent users of the Thurston Nature Center for over 60 years. Just as now, when the TNC is incorporated into the curriculum, students will be accompanied by classroom teachers and adult volunteers. This applies to any time students are on the playgrounds during the school day, just as it does now. The top priority for AAPS is student safety and for all visitors to the TNC. The evaluation of added risks due to the new school location has not produced concrete evidence of additional concerns but AAPS will always monitor and respond to any safety concerns appropriately.

• THU #56. Staging mitigates all of these problems. What are the costs and logistics to stage at current Logan?

  Though this statement does not define what ‘all of these problems’ are, specifically, staging certainly does not mitigate all problems.

  Staging Thurston will delay much-needed benefits to between 950 and 1,035 Students, and between 90 and 170 Staff, by between 2 and 5 years, and it would reduce the available budget for Thurston by between $8M and $13M, which is between a 10% and a 20% reduction in scope.

  The AAPS avoids staging wherever possible.

• THU #55. Typical construction noises exceed 90 dB. The prolonged exposure to noise and vibrations will be disruptive to many Thurston students, including violating IEPs. What types of remediation have you planned for those students??

  The noise level from construction activities in the nearest Classrooms is expected to be below 44dB.

  To further mitigate noise disturbances, the approach to all AAPS construction projects is to conduct the noisiest operations during the summer months, and/or when school is not in session.

  All AAPS projects which involve work within occupied buildings or on occupied sites include allowances to accommodate occupant’s needs.  Adjustments are commonly made to suit student needs, both on the construction operation and school operation sides.

  This is a typical process.

• THU #54. Recess space will be substantially reduced during construction. Approximately 200 kids will be squeezed into space currently used by the other 300. Where do you plan to have the kids play during peak construction? Please provide diagrams for concerned parents and staff. During installation of the driveline, bus loop, and geothermal, recess space is virtually non-existent, what is the plan for outdoor access during this phase of construction?

  Outdoor play amenities will be adequate for school operations during construction and will return to their generous condition post-construction.  All AAPS projects involving construction on active school sites (Thurston is one of thirteen such sites) will see impacted but adequate play area offerings during construction, with the approval of and cooperation from each Building Principal and staff.

  Play areas will be reduced more in some phases of construction than in others.

  But the size of the final outdoor play area for the new Thurston will actually increase compared to the current play area for students. The new play areas include what is available today with formal playfields and the addition of blacktop areas. Recess monitoring of the play areas will be the same as it is today.

  The bus loop will be gated and will remain vacant during school hours except during drop-off and pick-up. The improvements to the parking lot/parent drop off and bus loop are critical safety improvements that the current Thurston does not have due to lack of space. Separating cars and buses is a known safety protocol recommendation that AAPS incorporates at campuses across the district, when space allows. The parent and staff parking driveway will see very little traffic through the day, with the highest concentration at drop-off and pick-up times.  Just like current conditions, there is very little traffic in the parking lot during the school day.

  These conditions are similar at all AAPS elementary schools.

• THU #53. The GeoTechnical Report by G2 Consulting Group has marked this site as containing problematic soil. How do you plan to manage the periodic maintenance they determined will be the outcome of building in the new location? Where will this funding come from?

  Geotechnical Reports are due-diligence mechanisms the AAPS employs early in design for each project involving substantial earthwork.  These Reports are used specifically to determine what cannot be seen: sub-surface conditions.

  1. Geotechnical investigations provide critical design data based on the projects site-specific subsurface soil and groundwater conditions including bearing capacity, settlement potential, and the presence of hazards like compressible soils. With this data designers are enabled to provide cost-efficient, site-specific design and construction.
  2. Geotechnical investigations are also mandated by the Michigan Building Code, ensuring that all projects comply with regulatory requirements and maintain structural integrity and safety.

  Problematic soils, or soils giving rise to construction challenges, are present on nearly every project.  Where they are encountered, Design Professionals base their designs on compliance with the Geotechnical Engineer’s recommendations.

  Depending on the encountered depth of any problematic soils, there may be a range of solutions that could include leaving the problematic soils in-place, and dealing with challenges related to construction, or removing and replacing the soils to improve the site capacity.  In instances where the problematic soils are left in-place, the soils might be amended to improve their capacity, or foundations could extend through the problematic soils to bear on more competent bearing soils.

  This is a typical process.

  For Thurston, buried organic soils were encountered.  These soils are considered problematic due to their potential to compress with increases in the pressure applied to the soils.  Based on the presence of organic soils at the site, the position of the proposed building was adjusted as much as possible, however, the potential for foundations constructed over problematic soils remained.  The solution to navigate the remaining problematic soils was to amend the problematic soils capacity by using ground improvement techniques, in this case, rammed aggregate piers or rigid inclusions.

  Diligence related to soil conditions does not end with the design and implementation of recommendations made in the Geotechnical Report.  It continues through construction, under the direct supervision of Geotechnical and Structural Engineers, to ensure that suitable sub-surface conditions are present under the building and surrounding site.

  The periodic maintenance referenced in the Geotechnical Report is typical language to give the pavements the best chance of achieving their design life; budgeting for and performing routine crack-filling maintenance on the pavements.

  Geotechnical Engineers recommend regular timely maintenance be performed on the bituminous pavements to reduce the potential deterioration associated with moisture infiltration through surface cracks. The District is prepared to seal cracks in the asphalt with a hot-applied elastic crack filler as soon as possible after cracking develops, and as often as necessary, to block the passage of water to the subgrade soils.  This typical recommendation is unrelated to sub-surface conditions.

• THU #52. The fire department has flagged this site as violating distance to building code. Specifically: “It does not appear that the new structure will have the necessary fire access on the south side of the structure with the fencing around the existing structure to be removed.” How will AAPS handle liability to people and/or property in the event of a fire?

  Comments from the AAFD are Plan Review comments, not Citations of Violations.  The AAFD has required that the project team address construction-related concerns to their satisfaction, as a requirement of gaining final approval.  Solutions satisfying the AAFD are in development and will be submitted as an official response.

  This is a typical process.

  Note that the AAFD has already approved the final construction condition of the site.

• THU #51. How does the District’s MS4 regulate storm water conditions impact adjoining neighbors?

  The MS4 Permit requires Ann Arbor Public Schools ensure the stormwater runoff flow rates and volume (if feasible) do not increase for the 1-inch storm, the 2-year storm 24-hr (2.35 inches) or the 100-year 24-hr storm (5.11 inches).  Permits also require Ann Arbor Public Schools to treat stormwater to remove solids, floaters, and 80% of total suspended solids. Though this project increases the impervious surface, water is stored in underground tanks and surface basins while throttling the outflow rate to lower than existing conditions, and infiltrating groundwater into the soils to ensure surface runoff does not increase.  All surface runoff is directed away from neighboring properties and into the storm sewers and pond that it currently flows to.  All underground stormwater infiltration will be at a level 7’-8’ below adjacent property basements and will not worsen basement flooding.

• THU #50. Will the plan for New Thurston negatively change how surface water migrates across adjacent property lines?

  No.  Surface water is not being directed into neighboring properties—with the exception of small vegetated slopes that currently drain to neighboring properties.  These locations will have the drainage areas reduced, which will positively change how surface water crosses property lines.

• THU #49. Will the plan for New Thurston negatively impact nearby Wetlands?

  No, by keeping all new development at least 100’ from nearby regulated Wetlands, the project will have no negative impact on these Wetlands.  This 100’ buffer greatly exceeds the City’s 25’ wetland buffer regulations.

• THU #48. Are known sub-surface groundwater conditions likely to change as a result of the New Thurston plan, and, if so, will the results lead to more sub-surface groundwater migrating across adjacent property lines than currently occurs?

  No.  Groundwater infiltration will occur 7-8’ below basement levels, and is designed to make up for the reduced infiltration that occurs with additional paved areas.  Additionally, groundwater generally flows in the same direction as surface elevation changes, so the groundwater flows from the neighbor properties through the Thurston property to Thurston Pond, rather than vice versa.

• THU #47. Do current plans for New Thurston include designs which improve surface and sub-surface water migration across adjacent property lines?

  Yes, current plans improve grading conditions and are expected to improve existing water migration across adjacent downstream property lines.

• THU# 46. I have basement flooding issues. Will the construction make my basement flooding any worse?

  No. The stormwater management system is designed in accordance with the State of Michigan MS4 Permit Number MI0060234, and has been reviewed for compliance by a third-party engineering firm authorized by the State of Michigan EGLE (Department of the Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy) to monitor compliance for the Ann Arbor Public School District.  The City of Ann Arbor has also reviewed the plan to ensure that it does not negatively impact their storm sewer system

• Fall 2024 Follow-up Questions & Answers

  Thurston Elementary Follow-up Questions & Answers – October 2024