Weekly Editorial
August 14, 2006

HSPS Six-Year Multi-Site Construction Project Completed, Finally!

The recent announcement by the Association of Harbor Arts that the full $35,000 Frey Foundation Matching Grant (for the $70K Performing Arts Center sound system) had been met, was also a declaration to the community of the completion of the Harbor Springs Public Schools’ challenging, but worthwhile six-year construction and renovation project. This multi-site project included the renovation of Shay Elementary, the historic 1915 three-story high school and Ottawa Stadium, a new middle school, the new Hoover Track complex and the new high school additions, including the new 500-seat Performing Arts Center.

From the first facilities meeting in February of 2000 to this past week’s announcement spans six years and six months. Just as a family who is building or renovating their home often experiences challenges, surprises and disappointments, so did we at HSPS during our project. A few of these highs and lows during the past six years include the following:

• The community building strong consensus to rebuild the schools in town
• The unprecedented first time passage of a $31.5 million bond issue
• The surprise gift of the 18-acre Hoover property from anonymous donors
• The necessary purchase of twelve properties, resulting in eight individual families having to be relocated
• Navigating through post 9/11 escalating commercial construction costs resulting in bid overages, making challenging decisions and redesigning plans
• Temporary relocating student campuses three times
• Requiring a contractor to replace an unacceptable gym floor
• Having the Kiwanis Club generously provide a Team Building at the Hoover Track
• Following up on endless punch list items with contractors
• The community, by way of The Second Century Project, donating the $208,000 to enlarge the Green Room and the $517,000 to complete the seating, stage and lighting for the Performing Arts Center
• Association of Harbor Arts raising the dollars needed for the Performing Arts Center sound system

Just like the family who is relieved and thankful when their home project is finally completed, so are we as a Harbor Springs community. We now have quality facilities to match our outstanding students, families, staff and community. Although the work is complete, the recognition and acknowledgement of the many individuals and groups that made the completion of the project possible should be ongoing. With sincere gratitude, we thank each donor, volunteer worker, board member, committee participant – each and every person who helped support this project during the past six years!