Midland Public Schools

Last updated

Midland Public Schools
MidlandPublicSchoolslogo.png
Address
600 E Carpenter Street [1]
Midland
, Midland County , Michigan , 48640
United States
Coordinates 43°36′52.6″N84°14′03.6″W / 43.614611°N 84.234333°W / 43.614611; -84.234333
District information
Type Public
MottoInspiring Excellence [1]
GradesPreK–12
Established1919;106 years ago (1919) [2]
SuperintendentPenny Miller-Nelson [3]
Asst. superintendent(s)Brian Brutyn [3]
Schools13 [4]
Budget$113,663,000 2021-2022 expenditures [4]
NCES District ID 2623820 [4]
Students and staff
Students7,359 2023-2024 [4]
Teachers446.17 FTE 2023-2024 [4]
Staff913.88 FTE 2023-2024 [4]
Student–teacher ratio16.49 2023-2024 [4]
Other information
Website http://www.midlandps.org/

Midland Public Schools (MPS) is a public school district located in Midland, Michigan, United States. According to the US News and World Report, Dow High School ranked 38th and Midland High School ranked 90th among 1,136 high schools in the state. [5] The Niche website scored MPS as an "A-" and the top school district among 22 districts in the Saginaw Area. [6] Only 34 school districts offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma in Michigan; MPS is one of them. [7]

Contents

History

The roots of Midland Public Schools began in 1857 with an unnamed building on the corner of Ashman and Ellsworth Streets with 11 students. In 1862 an addition was constructed. [8]

Midland's population surged with demand for white pine lumber after the Civil War. The 1872 Union School was built on the outskirts of town for grades 1-12. [9] The three-story building (plus basement) was constructed in Italianate architecture using brick with a wood interior of black walnut. The cost was $20,000 plus another $3,000 for a "complete science laboratory". It was well lighted, ventilated and used steam radiators for heat. The building was the pride of the community, also used for voting and town meetings. [9] Ten years later, there were 14 teachers and an impressive library with 708 books. An $8,000 addition was built in 1887 with more classrooms. At the turn of the century, it was used exclusively for high school students. One night in October 1908 the steam boiler exploded, and the resulting fire destroyed the school. [9]

A replacement school on the site was constructed the following year using insurance and a large donation from Herbert Henry Dow of the Dow Chemical Company. The institution was renamed Central High School. A Junior High School was added to the property in 1917. [8]

By the mid-1930s, the student population had grown and the second, larger high school was built in 1937. The 1908 first high school was used as an elementary school, then as the intermediate school until Northeast Middle School (then Northeast Intermediate) was opened in 1950. Student populations climbed higher and in 1954, a $4.7 million bond approved by voters. A third high school in Midland was completed in late 1955, [10] named Midland High School and their nickname was "Chemics". For the 1956-57 school year, the high school moved to the new building and the 1937 Central High School became Central Intermediate, the second middle school in Midland. The 1908 (first) MHS was torn down in 1957. [8] For the 1963-64 school year, Jefferson Intermediate was opened to handle children from the Post-World War II baby boom. Midland High School was overcrowded again, but the decision was made to build a second high school in Midland, less than ten years after the current MHS was completed. Herbert Henry Dow High School opened to sophomores in 1968 and added one grade each year until the first class graduated in 1971. A freshman class was added to high schools in 1997 and intermediate schools changed from grades 7-8-9 to 6-7-8; school names were changed from Intermediate to Middle School. Elementary schools gained classrooms when they lost grade 6.

Board

MPS is controlled by a seven-member school board chosen in a staggered non-partisan election in even-numbered years. Terms are for four years and vacancies are filled by a vote of the remaining board members. The superintendent is appointed by the board and serves under contract at the pleasure of the board. The board also elects a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer from their members. The remaining three members are known as trustees. [11] The board holds monthly public meetings at the Midland Public Schools Administration Center on Carpenter Street. [12]

Consolidation

As Michigan's economy worsened in 2009, the school board debated alternatives to reduce expenses in preparation for a $3–6 million reduction in state funding. Enrollment had been declining for several years to a point where the district's 12 elementary schools were below two-thirds capacity and several needed to be closed. Only one elementary school was projected to close for the 2009-2010 school year, but three more were planned for 2010-2011 when students zoned for Central Middle School would be sent to Jefferson and Northeast Middle Schools. Consolidation of the district's administrative offices was proposed, as well as relocation to a closed elementary school. [13]

On December 15, 2009, the board elected to close five (5) elementary schools beginning with the 2010-2011 school year. The schools chosen for closure were Chippewassee, Longview, Parkdale, Mills, and Cook. The majority of the students of these schools were moved to other elementary schools in the district. [14] Parkdale Elementary was demolished in December 2015 and left a green space. [15]

Central Middle School was closed for instruction at the end of the 2012-13 school year, although the building was then actively used for entertainment, sporting and administrative purposes. Remaining students were moved to Jefferson and Northeast Middle Schools. The original building's auditorium was later renovated while most other parts of the building were demolished. In February 2016, plans were approved for a new STEM-focused elementary school to be built at the same location. The new school, Central Park Elementary, opened in September 2017. [16] [17]

The 2016 Dow High School improvement plan stated that the Dow Chemical Company was the major area employer and had been downsizing since 2012, resulting in a decrease of 160 students. The merger of Dow Corning and DuPont was expected to exacerbate the situation. [18]

Eastlawn Elementary School, which was constructed after World War II ended, was closed in 2017 with students directed to the new Central Park Elementary nearby. The building was demolished in May 2020 and the land was destined for housing. [19] Carpenter Street School was also closed in 2017. It was constructed in 1927, with the facility repurposed as a preschool building, but it is nearing the end of its useful life. [20] with students also going to Central Park Elementary. [19]

Franklin Center was torn down in February 2020. [21]

Bond proposal

In early January 2025, a facilities improvement bond proposal for $285 million was approved by the school board. The bond was intended to construct a new Northeast Middle School which was nearing the end of its useful life, a new elementary school, upgraded athletic facilities and technology. On the May 6 ballot, it was soundly defeated, nearly 3-1. It would have increased yearly property taxes by $325/$100K in taxable value. Voters cited increasing prices and academic performance. [22] [23]

Current Facilities

Facilities in Midland Public Schools District [10] [24] [25]
School NameAddressBuiltSizeMascotWebsite
Elementary schools (Grades K-5)
Adams Elementary School1005 Adams Dr, Midland, MI 48642196254,535 sq ft (5,066.5 m2)Atoms https://ade.midlandps.org
Carpenter Pre-Primary Center1407 W Carpenter St, Midland, MI 48640192637,934 sq ft (3,524.2 m2)Formerly Carpenter School https://cpp.midlandps.org
Central Park Elementary School1400 Rodd St, Midland, MI 48640201786,028 sq ft (7,992.3 m2)Explorers https://cpe.midlandps.org
Chestnut Hill Elementary School3900 Chestnut Hill Dr, Midland, MI 48642195752,308 sq ft (4,859.6 m2)Chipmunks https://che.midlandps.org
Plymouth Elementary School1105 East Sugnet Rd, Midland, MI 48642195250,182 sq ft (4,662.1 m2)Pioneers https://pme.midlandps.org
Siebert Elementary School5700 Siebert St, Midland, MI 48642195858,157 sq ft (5,403.0 m2)Bulldogs https://sbe.midlandps.org
Woodcrest Elementary School5500 Drake St, Midland, MI 48640196950,923 sq ft (4,730.9 m2)Wolverines https://wce.midlandps.org
Middle schools (Grades 6-8)
Jefferson Middle School800 W Chapel Ln, Midland, MI 486401963112,246 sq ft (10,428.0 m2)Huskies https://jms.midlandps.org
Northeast Middle School1305 E Sugnet Rd, Midland, MI 486421950145,847 sq ft (13,549.6 m2)Vikings https://nms.midlandps.org
High Schools (Grades 9-12)
Herbert Henry Dow High School 3901 N Saginaw Rd, Midland, MI 486401967278,696 sq ft (25,891.7 m2)Chargers https://dhs.midlandps.org
Midland High School 1301 Eastlawn Dr, Midland, MI 486421955294,618 sq ft (27,370.9 m2)Chemics https://mhs.midlandps.org
Windover Alternative High School [26] 919 Smith Rd, Midland, MI 48642198833,334 sq ft (3,096.8 m2)Bulldogs https://windover.org
Other facilities
MPS Administration Center600 E Carpenter St, Midland, MI 48640196927,558 sq ft (2,560.2 m2) https://www.midlandps.org/home
Central Auditorium305 E. Reardon St, Midland, MI 48640193753,596 sq ft (4,979.2 m2) https://aud.midlandps.org/
Grounds Building411 E. Hines St, Midland, MI 4864019847,700 sq ft (720 m2)
Transportation/Maintenance410 E. Hines St, Midland, MI 48640196521,000 sq ft (2,000 m2)
Industrial/Storage215 Fast Ice Dr, Midland, MI 48640201044,171 sq ft (4,103.6 m2)
Midland Community Stadium 2600 Washington St, Midland, MI 4864019581,490 sq ft (138 m2)Concession stand
19874,140 sq ft (385 m2)Visitors Locker room
20191,200 sq ft (110 m2)Press box

Former Schools

Former Schools in Midland Public Schools District [27] [28]
Elementary schools (Grades K-5)
School NameAddressOpenedClosedDispositionInfo
Ashman School2900 Dauer St19501968vacant [29]
Carpenter Street Elementary1407 W Carpenter St19262017Pre-Primary
Chippewassee Elementary3018 Avon St19592011Windover Alternative [30]
Cook Elementary5500 Perrine Rd19572010demo 2015 [31]
Eastlawn Elementary115 Eastlawn Dr19472017demo 2020 [32]
Glasgow Elementary390 Vance Rd19612010demolished
Longview Elementary337 Lemke St19482010Early Childhood Center [33]
Mapleton Elementary4729 E Smiths Crossing19311986demo 2020
Midland Elementary305 E Reardon St19081957demolished
Mills Elementary3329 E. Baker Rd19532010sold 2018 [34] [35]
Parkdale Elementary1609 Eastlawn Dr19562010demo 2015 [36]
State Street Elementary815 State St19191976demo 2022science resource center 1990 [37]
Sugnet Elementary3917 Jefferson Ave19491987MCESA
Windover ElementaryHomer Rd194919841987 Windover Alternative [26]
Middle schools (Grades 6-8)
School NameAddressOpenedClosedDispositionInfo
Midland Junior High School305 E Reardon St19171950demo 1957formerly Central High School
Central Intermediate1400 Rodd Street19562016demo 2016formerly Midland High School #1
High Schools (Grades 9-12)
Union School 205 E Grove St18721907destroyed
Central High School 305 E Reardon St19081937Midland Elementary
Midland High School #1 1400 Rodd Street19371955Central Intermediate

Demographics

The demographic breakdown of the 7,436 students enrolled in 2022-23 was: [38]

MPS-TV

The school district has its own community cable and IPTV Public-access television channel known as 'MPS-TV which began on March 17, 2003. Community surveys showed that residents supported educational CATV, prompting a partnership between the city of Midland, MPS, Charter Communications and AT&T U-Verse. Initial costs were covered by franchise fees paid to the city. [39]

Athletic facilities

Midland Community Stadium, which seats 7,500, is located next door to Midland High School, but is shared by both schools as their home field for football & soccer games and track meets. [40] Dow High School has a field with limited seating and no lighting that is used primarily for daytime junior varsity contests.
Dow High School has an indoor pool with spectator seating for 1,000 that is shared by both schools as their home pool.

References

  1. 1 2 Midland Public Schools. "Midland Public Schools" . Retrieved April 26, 2025.
  2. ↑ Midland Public Schools. "Midland Public Schools". LinkedIn. Retrieved April 26, 2025.
  3. 1 2 Midland Public Schools. "Superintendent Team" . Retrieved April 26, 2025.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Search for Public School Districts – District Detail for Midland Public Schools". National Center for Education Statistics . Institute of Education Sciences.
  5. ↑ "Best High Schools in Michigan". usnews.com. U.S. News & World Report L.P. Retrieved September 14, 2025.
  6. ↑ "2025 Best School Districts in the Saginaw Area". niche.com. Niche.com Inc. Retrieved September 14, 2025.
  7. ↑ "MPS High Schools Recognized in 2025 Best High Schools Rankings". midlandps.org. Midland Public Schools. Retrieved September 14, 2025.
  8. 1 2 3 Qualls, Lori. "Throwback: First high school destroyed by fire in 1908". ourmidland.com. Midland Daily News. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  9. 1 2 3 "A Window to Midland's Past: Union School". ourmidland.com. Midland Daily News. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  10. 1 2 Midland Public Schools. "Facilities Improvement Bond Proposal" . Retrieved April 26, 2025.
  11. ↑ "Elections and Local Control". masb.org. Michigan Association of School Boards. Retrieved September 14, 2025.
  12. ↑ "Midland Public Schools". eboardsolutions.com. eBOARDsolutions, Inc. Retrieved September 14, 2025.
  13. ↑ McGuire, Abby: "MPS proposes moving Eastlawn students to Central". Archived from the original on September 11, 2012. Retrieved March 14, 2009. Midland Daily News, March 10, 2009-MPS proposes moving Eastlawn students to Central
  14. ↑ Midland Daily News, 12/15/2009 Archived 2012-07-12 at archive.today
  15. ↑ Nims, Tereasa. "Former Parkdale Elementary students remember classmate Seth Enszer, school". ourmidland.com. Midland Daily News. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  16. ↑ Bryant, Roger: "Name, funding approved for new Midland elementary school". Archived from the original on December 31, 2019. Retrieved December 30, 2019.
  17. ↑ Bryant, Roger: "Central Park Elementary Opens". Archived from the original on September 11, 2018. Retrieved December 30, 2019.
  18. ↑ "School Improvement Plan HH Dow High School" (PDF). dhs.midlandps.org. Midland Public Schools. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  19. 1 2 Ciak, Madeline. "Two Midland elementary schools close their doors". midmichigannow.com. MichiganNow. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  20. ↑ Chalk, Dan. "Aging Midland: Shrinking enrollment forces school districts to adapt". ourmidland.com. Midland Daily News. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  21. ↑ "Demolition of Two Midland Schools Begins". my1043.net. Latitude Media. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  22. ↑ Oliver, Joey. "$285M Midland Public Schools bond fails by a landslide in May election". mlive.com. MLive Media Group. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  23. ↑ Sackrider, David. "Voters say cost was too high for $285 million Midland Schools bond proposal". yotuube.com. TV12 ABC. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  24. ↑ Midland Public Schools. "Schools" . Retrieved April 26, 2025.
  25. ↑ "RFP: Facility Assessment". midlandps.org. Midland Public Schools. Retrieved September 14, 2025.
  26. 1 2 Kennett, John. "Windover High School moves to former Chippewassee Elementary". ourmidland.com. Midland Daily News. Retrieved September 20, 2025.
  27. ↑ Midland Public Schools. "Facilities Improvement Bond Proposal" . Retrieved April 26, 2025.
  28. ↑ Midland Public Schools. "Schools" . Retrieved April 26, 2025.
  29. ↑ Qualls, Lori. "Throwback: New 1964 office on McDonald St. and Ashman School photos". ourmidland.com. Midland Daily News. Retrieved September 20, 2025.
  30. ↑ Qualls, Lori. "Throwback: Chippewassee Elementary School". ourmidland.com. Midland Daily News. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
  31. ↑ Qualls, Lori. "Throwback: Cook Elementary School". ourmidland.com. Midland Daily News. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
  32. ↑ Qualls, Lori. "Throwback: Eastlawn Elementary School". ourmidland.com. Midland Daily News. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
  33. ↑ Qualls, Lori. "Throwback: Longview Elementary School". ourmidland.com. Midland Daily News. Retrieved September 20, 2025.
  34. ↑ Bryant, Roger. "Midland school board sells Mills Elementary, accepts grant for stadium". ourmidland.com. Midland Daily News. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
  35. ↑ Qualls, Lori. "Throwback: Mills Elementary School". ourmidland.com. Midland Daily News. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
  36. ↑ Qualls, Lori. "Throwback: Parkdale Elementary School". ourmidland.com. Midland Daily News. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
  37. ↑ Qualls, Lori. "Throwback: State Street School". ourmidland.com. Midland Daily News. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
  38. ↑ "ACS School District Profile 2018-22". nces.ed.gov. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  39. ↑ "MPS-TV". midlandps.org. Midland Public Schools. Retrieved September 14, 2025.
  40. ↑ MidlandOnline: Feb 2, 2000: Midland High School
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