# Mattawan Breaks Ground on $9.5 Million Middle School Renovation and Addition

MATTAWAN, Mich. — Mattawan Consolidated Schools held a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, Aug. 17, to mark the start of a $9.5 million renovation and addition to Mattawan Middle School.

The project, described by district leaders as a major investment in the safety, function, and community use of the building, will include a new front office and secure vestibule, extensive renovations to the cafeteria, kitchen, and servery, and a range of security improvements throughout the facility.

Nearly 50 Years After Original Groundbreaking

The renovation comes nearly 50 years after the middle school's original groundbreaking in 1976.

Mattawan Consolidated School District Superintendent Randy Fleenor called the day a milestone for the community.

"Today we celebrated the groundbreaking for an exciting $9.5 million renovation and addition to our Middle School," Fleenor said. "The project will include a new front office and secure vestibule, major renovations to the cafeteria, kitchen and servery, and additional security improvements throughout the building."

He added, "Nearly 50 years after the original Middle School groundbreaking in 1976, we're once again investing in what comes next for Mattawan students. They started a chapter. Today, we turn another page."

Fleenor thanked the Board of Education, staff, students, community, and project partners for helping make the project possible.

Cafeteria Gets a Full Rebuild

The updated cafeteria is a centerpiece of the renovation. The new design is intended to improve the student experience, boost operational efficiency, and open the space up for community use.

Key features include:

  • Expanded seating capacity for approximately 400 students, allowing for more flexible scheduling and improved comfort.
  • Dedicated serving and preparation spaces to improve meal service flow and overall functionality.
  • A centralized location adjacent to the main office to enhance safety and supervision during the school day.
  • Proximity to the front of the building, providing convenient access for after-hours and community events.

New Main Office and Security Upgrades

The main office is also getting a full relocation and redesign. The new layout is designed to strengthen security, improve daily workflow, and better serve students and families.

The redesign includes:

  • A centralized, connected layout that improves staff workflow.
  • Integration of "The Den" and student resource areas directly within the office suite for easier access and support.
  • An improved health room design that offers enhanced privacy, accessibility, and student care.
  • Consolidation of essential services, placing all administrative and student support functions in one area rather than two.
  • A dedicated receiving area to streamline deliveries for operations and food service, reducing congestion and improving building safety.

District Emphasizes Long-Term Value

Fleenor said the design revision supports the district's goals of maximizing existing resources, enhancing safety and efficiency, and improving both student and community experiences.

"By renovating and expanding the current spaces, the district achieves a more functional, secure, and cost-effective solution that supports long-term operational excellence," Fleenor said.

Construction is expected to proceed through the coming months, with the district planning to keep the community updated as the project moves forward.