Hemlock schools seek design-build proposals for elementary and early-childhood expansion

Hemlock Public School District is seeking design-build proposals for an expansion and possible renovation of Hemlock Elementary School and the Early Childhood Center, with an initial phase funded by a $1 million USDA grant.

The district issued the request for proposals June 17. The solicitation describes a projected total scope of about 12,000 square feet across two phases, although the larger phase remains contingent on a November 2026 bond vote.

USDA-funded first phase

Phase I would add approximately 3,000 square feet to the elementary-school campus. Planned work includes a secure corridor connection between facilities, additional office and student-support space, and two to three early-childhood classrooms with attached restrooms.

The first phase also includes student toilet rooms and a redesigned parent drop-off and pick-up loop. Those changes would add early-childhood capacity while altering how students, families and staff move through the campus.

The district lists the USDA grant as the funding source for Phase I. The solicitation does not make construction the immediate result of the request; it seeks a design-build partner to advance the project through the district’s selection and approval schedule.

Second phase depends on bond vote

Phase II could add about 9,000 square feet, bringing the projected two-phase scope to roughly 12,000 square feet. The potential second-phase allocation is estimated at $2 million to $3 million, but that work would depend on voters approving a non-qualified bond in November 2026.

That means the larger expansion is a proposal rather than an approved or funded construction phase. The bond decision would determine whether the district can proceed with the additional space and related work described in the solicitation.

For students and families, the proposed project could mean more early-childhood classrooms, expanded student-support and office space, additional restrooms and safer circulation around the elementary campus. The second phase could substantially increase the facility’s size if voters approve the bond request.

Selection schedule

Design-build proposals were due July 15, 2026. The district scheduled interviews with prospective teams for July 28 and anticipated Hemlock Board of Education approval on Aug. 12.

The solicitation identifies Hemlock, Michigan, as the project location and names Hemlock Elementary School and the Early Childhood Center as the facilities covered by the work. The listed schedule sets out the next steps for selecting a design-build team, while the future of Phase II remains tied to the November election.