Groundbreaking at Nature-Based Holland Heights
The $21.2 million project will take 2-years and provide new learning opportunities for Holland students and families!
Holland Pubic Schools Superintendent Nick Cassidy and Principal Kevin Derr were joined this morning by members of the Board of Education, students, and staff for groundbreaking ceremonies at Holland Heights Elementary School.
New construction will include classrooms, a media center, and learning spaces specifically built for the Nature-Based curriculum being taught at Holland Heights. Improvements will also be made to the gymnasium and outdoor learning environments. The oldest portion of the building that will be demolished to make room for new construction opened in 1952. The new learning spaces will connect to the western-most portion of the building which includes the office, classrooms, and cafeteria that were built in 2011.
“When kids return to our new building, there will be three separate grade-level wings. Our outdoor learning spaces and a new media center will be amazing, with tremendous opportunities for learning and growth.” -Holland Heights Kevin Derr
The $21.2 million project is funded through the Build 2021 Bond approved by voters in the City of Holland in May of 2021. The project is being led by GMB Architecture & Engineering and OAK Construction.
“Holland Public Schools is grateful to the residents of the City of Holland for providing great learning spaces and opportunities for families in the district. We look forward to sharing these spaces with members of the community when construction is complete.” -Superintendent Nick Cassidy
Construction is expected to take 2 years with the new facility ready for students to return to school in the fall of 2026. In the meantime, Holland Heights students will attend the vacant Longfellow School at the corner of 24th and State St. in Holland. Bussing to and from Longfellow Elementary will be provided to families in the Heights neighborhood who need transportation during the relocation to Longfellow.
Today was the last day of school at Holland Heights. Students who met with designers to generate ideas for their new school helped with the groundbreaking by turning over the first few shovels of dirt for the project.
This summer, renovations will also be made at the media center and science classrooms at Holland High School. These projects were also funded by the Build 2021 bond proposal approved by voters.