School district’s bond program improves school security, infrastructure, & technology

The client

Birmingham Public Schools is a top-rated district with over 8,000 students, located in Beverly Hills, Mich.

The challenge

In 2015, Birmingham community members approved a $66 million bond to make improvements and address important building infrastructure needs to all schools across the district. The Birmingham Public school board engaged Plante Moran Cresa (PMC) to provide owner’s representative services throughout the duration of the bond program. The projects from the bond were completed over a five-year period starting in 2016.

The solution

PMC provided expertise to guide the district during the planning, design, and construction of each project within the program, ensuring the program’s overall scope and goals were met. With our team’s guidance, the district aligned the scope of its bond projects to fit within the $66 million budget.

Throughout design and construction, PMC identified cost-saving areas, ensured adherence to project schedules, and provided valuable oversight to coordinate the project teams. PMC kept the district and community informed of all key milestones, and our proactive guidance helped the district manage the daily project accounting and decision-making tasks.

The benefit

The funds from the 2015 bond were used to address three key areas at each educational facility: safety and security upgrades, building and site renovations, and technology upgrades. One major project of the bond was introducing secure vestibule entryways to each school in the district. Another area of focus was renovating the performing arts centers at the high schools, constructing a scene shop, and equipping existing theaters with audiovisual system upgrades. The bond also included significant improvements to infrastructure, HVAC systems, and mechanical equipment across the district.

Throughout the duration of the bond program, PMC leveraged its extensive expertise in working with K-12 school districts to oversee projects from concept to completion. As a result of the successful 2015 bond program, Birmingham Public Schools reengaged Plante Moran Cresa to act as its owner’s representative for a new $195 million bond program, which was approved in March 2020 after PMC assisted with the bond scope development and subsequent information campaign. PMC is pleased to continue serving the district.

Does your district have facility, security, and technology needs? Please reach out to us today to see how we can help you plan for and implement a bond program.