Valleywood Middle School Rebuild Tops List of Major Projects

KENTWOOD, Mich. — Kentwood Public Schools is seeking voter approval for a $125.33 million bond proposal that would transform the district's facilities with a brand new Valleywood Middle School, restore the historic Kentwood Ice Arena, and add a Career Tech Education STEM center.

The bond request comes as the nearly 10,000-student district continues rapid growth, adding 800 students over the past decade as Kentwood becomes known as one of Kent County's most sought-after destinations.

We designed this program in response to our community growth and values around school facilities. The beauty of that is their voices and their imprint is all over it, said Superintendent Kevin Polston.

Polston said the district determined the slate of projects following multiple rounds of stakeholder input last fall. The proposed projects would begin construction in 2028 and be completed by 2032 if approved.

The bond would result in a 0.5 mill increase in property taxes, which would translate to approximately $6.68 per month in additional taxes for homeowners with properties valued at $321,000.

Reimagining Valleywood Middle School

A new Valleywood Middle School would replace the existing 1967 building at its current location at 1110 50th SE. The new facility would have capacity for 750 students, up from the 552 currently enrolled.

The decision to build new rather than renovate was made after facilities staff found that Valleywood would need $30 million in infrastructure investment just to ensure it met good or excellent standards.

Valleywood not only has a high need for infrastructure enhancements, but also has 20 classrooms that do not have any natural light — lots of interior classrooms, narrow hallways, lower ceilings. Just the feeling in the building does not align with what research suggests a facility needs to support student learning, Polston said.

The nearly 60-year-old building features aging infrastructure and design elements that do not support modern learning environments. The district received overwhelming community support for a complete rebuild, with over 95 percent of respondents saying it is time to reimagine rather than remodel.

If voters approve the bond, construction would begin on the middle school in 2028, with the building opening in 2030. The new building would feature modern learning environments, abundant natural light, and a safe, accessible, and efficient layout.

Ice Arena Restoration

The Kentwood Ice Arena remains one of the few ice rinks in West Michigan owned and operated by a school district. Home to the Falcons ice hockey team and numerous community programs, the arena serves as an important community gathering space.

The bond would fund comprehensive restoration work including:

• New roof coating
• New mechanical room and equipment for code compliance
• Complete electrical system upgrade
• New rink refrigeration system
• Exterior doors and enhanced security with cameras and card-reader access

Students and families indicated through an extracurricular survey and focus groups that they value the Kentwood Ice Arena, Polston said.

The arena has become an anchor for youth sports and community events throughout the district.

Second Performing Arts Center and STEM Expansion

The bond proposal also addresses concerns that the district does not have adequate performing arts facilities. Currently, the Kentwood Fine Arts Auditorium at East Kentwood High School is the only performing arts space available to the entire district.

A second performing arts center would be added to the Freshman Campus with a capacity for 600 seats, designed to be used district-wide. The bond would also fund renovations to the existing high school performing arts center, including auditorium upgrades and full renovation of classrooms.

The Career Tech Education STEM Center would be located at the Freshman Campus, adding expanded space for career readiness programs that prepare students for workforce opportunities.

District-Wide Improvements

Beyond the major headline projects, the bond package includes numerous district-wide improvements:

• Accessible playgrounds at Bowen, Brookwood, Discovery, Endeavor, Explorer, and Meadowlawn elementary schools
• District-wide safety and security upgrades throughout all buildings
• Technology enhancements, upgrades, and new devices
• Modernized furniture
• Additional new school buses

The top question that came up in that process was, What are you going to do about middle school, Polston said.

The middle school issue became particularly pressing after the district opened Hamilton Elementary and Early Childhood Center, its 11th elementary school. An extensive elementary redistricting process followed, during which the community expressed strong desires for the district to address middle school capacity and facilities.

Property Tax Impact

The bond proposal comes at a time when Kentwood has become a popular residential destination. More than 1,000 units of new housing are planned for construction in the district, which will likely continue to drive enrollment growth.

It is a process we have done with the community, Polston said.

The district opened Hamilton Elementary earlier this year, making it the 11th elementary school in the district. This expansion was part of the district's ongoing efforts to keep pace with community growth.

Voters in the Kentwood Public Schools district will have an opportunity to consider the bond proposal on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. More information about the election, including polling times and locations, can be found through official Kent County resources.