Morenci Area Schools continues to make meaningful progress on facility improvements and infrastructure planning following the successful passage of the May 2025 bond proposal. The district extends its heartfelt thanks to the Morenci community for their trust and support, which is helping ensure safe, modern, and efficient learning spaces for students today and for years to come.
Since the passage of the bond, the district has taken important steps to align bond projects, establish timelines, and prioritize work. A Bond Core Team consisting of district staff, the architecture firm, construction firm, and a board member meets bi-weekly to update the project list, monitor expenses, and ensure that projects stay on schedule and within budget.
Initially, the district identified $38 million in potential projects during the planning phase. Through collaboration and community input, this list was refined to $17.4 million in high-priority projects. Adjustments continue to be made as needed; if emerging issues or facility concerns arise, items previously considered medium or low priority may move up in urgency to ensure the district addresses the most pressing needs first.
Several exciting initiatives are already underway:
Two new school buses have been ordered and are scheduled to arrive by the end of the year.
Staff and student feedback is being gathered to help shape playground enhancements and ensure designs reflect the needs and interests of those who use them most.
Schematic designs have been completed for secure vestibule entrances and ADA-compliant restroom upgrades, ensuring both safety and accessibility remain top priorities across all campuses.
In addition to bond-funded improvements, the district has made substantial progress in upgrading water safety infrastructure through the state’s Filter First legislation and related grant funding. This initiative, passed by the State of Michigan, aims to reduce the risk of lead exposure in drinking water at K–12 public and nonpublic schools.
Through this program, Morenci Area Schools upgraded water bottle filling stations, installed filters on kitchen sinks, and will be placing clear signage indicating whether fixtures are designated for drinking. Superintendent Jennifer Ellis emphasized that these upgrades are preventative safety measures.
“It’s important to note that the use of filters does not mean there was lead in our water,” said Ellis. “Using a water filter is like wearing a seatbelt in a car—it doesn’t mean you’ll be in an accident, but it provides protection if something were to happen.”
The district also received additional MiHealthy School grant funds, which allowed for the replacement and upgrade of all elementary classroom bubblers and faucets.
“We are so grateful that we were selected to receive the additional MiHealthy School competitive grant funds,” Ellis shared. “Several other districts had to shut off classroom bubblers because upgrades to those fixtures weren’t covered under the Filter First grant. Thanks to these funds, our students and staff can continue to use classroom fixtures safely.”
Finally, the district has developed a Drinking Water Management Plan to ensure continued water quality monitoring. Under this plan, samples will be collected and tested annually at every filtered fixture to verify protection against potential lead exposure.
“We’re incredibly proud of the collaboration and careful planning that has taken place since May,” Ellis added. “Thanks to our community’s support and the dedication of our staff and partners, Morenci Area Schools is positioned to make lasting improvements that benefit all students.”
For ongoing updates about bond projects and district initiatives, please visit www.morencibulldogs.org or contact the Morenci Area Schools District Office at 517-458-7501.