Dear HPS Community - An Update from Superintendent Nick Cassidy
This week Superintendent Nick Cassidy met with HPS staff members to share HPS' 5-year Facility Plan. This plan will:
- Ensure Every Student and Staff Member at HPS benefits from upgraded, 21st-century facilities
- Provide equitable access to programming
- Right-size our district to reduce operational costs
- Allow us to invest in our students, staff, and programs
The biggest announcement to come during these meetings is a proposed change to our Elementary building structure, which will include redistricting and consolidating Elementary programs by 2027 into 3 buildings:
- Nature-Based Holland Heights
- West Elementary
- Holland Language Academy (HLA)
Under the current proposal, the Jefferson Elementary building would undergo renovations in 2027 to become the home for HLA in 2028. This would provide additional classroom, playground, and parking space, which is restricted at their current location. The VanRaalte building would become an Early Childhood Center, increasing the availability of preschool. The Maplewood property would turn into housing. We are still exploring options on how the Longfellow building will best serve our community.
Over the next two months, there will be a series of meetings and community engagement opportunities where we will share the facility master plan, the timeline, how our current and future bond projects will support these changes, and how this plan will provide us with the financial stability needed for Holland Public Schools to flourish. These meetings will also allow community members to provide feedback on the proposed changes and needs of the district. All meetings will be open house style, where you can come and go as you please.
- Thursday, February 20, 5-7pm | Community Partner Update at District Administration Building
- Thursday, February 27, 5-6pm | West March is Reading Kick-Off
- Tuesday, March 4, 5:30-6:30pm | Jefferson Elementary Reading Night
- Thursday, March 20, 6-7pm | HLA Math Carnival
- Wednesday, March 26, 5-7pm | District Administration Building
I recognize that change is hard, but I am also confident this plan will positively benefit all students, staff, and the Holland Community. I look forward to meeting with you and sharing these exciting opportunities. If you are unable to make any of the meetings, feel free to email me questions.
Sincerely,
Nick Cassidy
Superintendent
Holland Public Schools