District relies on PMR for bond program success since 2000
Warren Consolidated Schools (WCS), the tenth largest public school district in Michigan, is committed to offering the best educational environments through a thoughtful, planned approach to capital planning. To help reach that goal, WCS has engaged Plante Moran Realpoint (PMR), formerly Plante Moran Cresa, since 2000 for bond planning and owner’s representative services for four bond programs totaling more than $500 million of site work, renovations, and new construction across 35 facilities.
- The 2000 voter-approved bond program included $150 million to address aging facilities, improve learning environments, and support energy-efficient operations across the district. Projects included extensive additions at all three high schools, new secure entrances, and gymnasium additions at the elementary schools.
- The 2009 voter-approved bond program encompassed $65 million in site work, roof replacements, technology, safety and security upgrades, new buses, and building renovations.
- The 2016 voter-approved bond program was a $135 million program for technology and infrastructure updates; building renovations; safety and security improvements; site work, athletic, and playground improvements; and bus, furniture, and equipment replacements across the district.
- The 2022 voter-approved bond program is a $150 million program focused on HVAC improvements, technology, and infrastructure updates; safety and security improvements; site, athletic, playground, and performing arts improvements; and equipment replacements across the district.
PMR takes a strategic, long-term approach to capital planning
As a trusted advisor, PMR's first step is always to help our clients understand the scope of their capital needs and financial capabilities. Before guiding the bond application process, we helped WCS assess, articulate, and prioritize those needs into a long-term capital plan through sophisticated analyses of pupil enrollment projections, facility condition assessments, and building utilization studies. We also helped the district identify and assess all of its financing options to determine reasonable budgets for any proposed projects. Regular updates to this capital plan have kept the district’s goals and budgets aligned over the years.
In each engagement, we have helped the district communicate the capital plan to the community. With the bonds successfully passed, PMR leveraged our experience working on billions of dollars of development projects to support the district’s staff, architects, and construction managers throughout design and construction. Our team gave WCS transparency into the bond programs’ progress and fostered a collaborative team environment that ensured the programs’ budget, schedule, and quality goals were met or exceeded.
PMR's expertise helps bond dollars stretch further
Throughout our engagements with WCS, PMR executed strategies to meet numerous detailed tracking requirements for the district to benefit from multiple funding sources and maximize the use of funds. We also helped WCS complete projects ahead of schedule, resulting in savings that the district then reinvested into additional scope. All work so far (planned and additional) was completed on time and under budget while minimizing disruption and program risk.
With our proven process and dedicated team, PMR is proud to continue to work with WCS to help them meet their short-term and long-term capital needs now and in the future.
Reach out to us to learn how we can help your district plan and execute successful capital programs.
