Plans have been in the works to construct a new Flint high school on the campus of Flint Central, and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation announced a commitment that will help make those plans a reality on May 11, committing up to $100 million for the project.
“Flint residents have consistently told us that strengthening education is one of their top priorities,” said Ridgway White, president and CEO of the Mott Foundation, in a news release. “As the Foundation celebrates 100 years of working in partnership with our hometown, we’re excited to help make the community’s long-held vision for a new high school a reality. Public schools are the heart of a well-functioning community. And this commitment goes to the root of what C.S. Mott cared most about when he created the Foundation — helping young people in Flint have every opportunity to thrive.”
Although the Flint Central site has long been envisioned as a potential home for a new Flint high school, plans have been slow to come together since Central closed in 2009. The historic Central and Whittier campuses have fallen into disrepair over the years, but momentum picked up late last year and in 2026. In January, the Flint Community Schools Board of Education voted to hire Plante Moran to oversee the design of the new school and campus in January. The firm recently worked with the district on major renovations of Brownell STEM Academy and Holmes STEM Middle School on the city’s northside.
The school board approved a design concept in December. The project is expected to cost around $135 million. Flint Schools secured just under $36 million in funding from the state of Michigan last year to cover a portion of the costs and the investment from the Mott Foundation covers the rest of the expected amount.
Crews have already begun installing fencing around the Central and Whittier campuses, and abatement work is expected to begin at the site this month. The Mott Foundation had previously granted more than $6 million to support design work and demolition prep work.
“As we build this new high school, we are building something Flint can be proud of. We are grateful for the support and focused on delivering for our scholars,” said Kevelin Jones, FCS superintendent, in a news release. “While the funding will help us construct a new building, its impact will extend even further. It will be an opportunity to redefine what’s possible for Flint kids through strong instruction, innovative learning and clear pathways to college, careers and life. It also reflects our broader commitment to reenergize, renovate, rebuild and repurpose how we serve scholars, ensuring every space and every program prepares them to graduate ready and confident.”
FCS officials are hopeful that the new high school will be open in time for the start of the 2028-29 school year.
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