FLINT, Mich. — More than $5.3 million will support planning and development for the revitalization of the Flint Central High School campus.
Funding for the project will come from a grant established by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint.
On Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, the Flint Community Schools Board of Education voted 7-0 to approve the design for the new high school on the Central-Whittier campus.
The investment will cover demolition of the former Flint Central High School and Whittier Classical Academy, while preserving select architectural elements for reuse. It will also advance design work for the future high school planned for the site.
“We’re excited that FCS has crafted a vision for how to bring the former Central campus back to life,” said Ridgway White, president and CEO of the Mott Foundation. “FCS leaders and the board of education are working alongside the community to create a welcoming and vibrant space that Flint kids and families deserve. The Mott Foundation is pleased to support the project as we all work together to help Flint kids thrive.”
The Mott Foundation previously granted $750,000 to support community engagement and the first phase of design work. This was followed by a $39.5 million grant from the Michigan Department of Education’s (MDE) Consolidated Infrastructure Grant program to build a state-of-the-art high school and reduce the number of active school buildings from 11 to seven by closing four underutilized buildings.
“As we build the new high school, we are building more than a facility. We are building a future for Flint’s scholars. Our instructional vision is rooted in innovation, career pathways, opportunity and purpose,” said FCS Superintendent Kevelin Jones.
Community engagement sessions have been underway for several months, and district leaders plan to continue those conversations throughout the year.
“Our community is the co-creator of this new high school. When educators, families, students, residents and local partners shape the vision together, the school truly becomes a space that belongs to everyone,” said Joyce Ellis-McNeal, FCS Board of Education president.
Central High School closed nearly 20 years ago and since then, bight has overrun the property.
Demolition of the two buildings on Crapo Street, adjacent to the Flint Cultural Center, is scheduled to begin early next year. Demolition and design work are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.