Local Leaders Applaud Historic Investment in Flint’s Future
FLINT, MI – A transformative moment is on the horizon for Flint students and families. Flint Community Schools has been awarded over $35.9 million through Michigan’s Consolidation and Modernization Grant, a critical step toward replacing aging infrastructure with modern, student-centered facilities.
This milestone is not just a win for the district, but the result of years of advocacy, collaboration and unwavering belief in Flint’s children.
“This is a great win that we all worked hard to make happen,” said Flint Community Schools Board President Dr. Joyce Ellis-McNeal. “I know that Superintendent Kevelin Jones and his team put forward a strong application, but I also thank Dr. Michael Rice, Dr. Pamela Pugh, our legislators and the Michigan Department of Education for recognizing that our scholars deserve every opportunity to thrive in a healthy, safe, and modern learning environment—and that our community deserves this kind of investment.”
These funds arrive at a critical juncture, as the federal government has recently rescinded millions of dollars in pre-approved pandemic relief funding for Michigan schools. This abrupt decision jeopardizes essential infrastructure projects, including those in Flint.
“The $35.9 billion funding grant from the Department of Education to Flint schools is beyond welcome news,” said State Representative Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint). Our kids and schools are the true gems of our community, and they deserve all possible support in order to grow and flourish. This grant comes at a time when our students and schools really need it, too — especially considering that Republicans at both the federal and state levels are taking a slash and burn approach to budgets, department funding, and essential programs that school districts and families rely on.”
Dr. Pamela Pugh, President of the Michigan State Board of Education, emphasized the broader significance.
“This funding affirms what Flint families have long known: our children are just as deserving of world-class schools as any across this state,” said Dr. Pamela Pugh. “This is about justice, resilience, and an unwavering belief in Flint’s future. While we celebrate this powerful step forward, we continue to call on the federal government to restore the critical funding our schools still desperately need.”
Flint’s selection, among just three awardees out of 51 applicants, highlights not only the urgent need for infrastructure investment, but a tightly written proposal and the power of persistent local advocacy. The grant program, funded through the state’s FY24 supplemental budget, marks a step forward in addressing Michigan’s nearly $23 billion backlog in school facility needs, as identified by the School Finance Research Foundation.
Community leaders say this investment sends a powerful message: that even amid challenges, Flint is rising with scholars, educators, and families leading the way.
