Paving educational pathways for Southfield Public Schools

Client: Southfield Public Schools, Michigan

Southfield Public Schools (SPS) is located in the cities of Southfield and Lathrup Village, Mich. Serving close to 5,000 students, SPS’s mission is to educate all students in a collaborative, safe, supportive, student-centered environment and prepare dynamic, innovative learners to compete in a globalized world. 

Challenges: Underutilization & capital improvements

Maintaining the cost of vacant facilities, infrastructure upgrades, and program expansion are just a few of the challenges SPS faced. With student enrollment reflecting the decline in birth rates, balancing the costs of utilities and upkeep required right-sizing the district’s footprint. SPS knew its investments were better spent on students’ education rather than unused resources.

SPS engaged Plante Moran Realpoint (PMR) to assist in overseeing this plan, which was funded by a $345 million capital facilities bond. PMR has previously worked with SPS on successful consulting assignments, so the district knew our owner’s representatives would keep the program on course by prioritizing the district’s requirements and overseeing implementation.

Solution: Right-sizing & reinvesting

SPS currently maintains 18 sites, totaling 1.4 million square feet. Some are underutilized and will be closed to right-size the district to match current and future student enrollment. Others will be repurposed, such as one elementary school, which will be redeveloped into a community facility to provide access to meeting rooms, gym areas, and specialized program offerings based on community needs. Improvements will be made to Southfield High School for the art and technology classrooms, restrooms, gym, pool area, and auditorium, including making the auditorium ADA-compliant.

In addition to right-sizing and renovations, SPS will afford middle and high school students the opportunity to take classes geared to their specific career interests, transitioning from neighborhood schools to “Educational Pathways.” Program adjustments and corporate partnerships will allow high school students to participate in internships and mentoring programs, giving students real-world experience in their career areas of interest.

Starting construction in 2026, the district will bolster its gifted and talented program opportunities with a new K-12 campus. The anticipated opening of the University K-12 Academy campus is in the fall of 2029. 

"The Southfield Public Schools community remains steadfast in our commitment to creating safe, innovative, and dynamic learning environments that meet the needs of every student. This transformative capital facilities bond program represents more than an investment in buildings — it is an investment in our scholars’ futures, our staff’s excellence, and our community’s vitality," said Jennifer Martin-Green, the superintendent of SPS. "By right-sizing our district, modernizing our infrastructure, and expanding educational opportunities through career pathways and community partnerships, we are positioning Southfield Public Schools as a leader in educational innovation and equity. We are proud to move forward with a vision that honors our past while boldly preparing for the future."

Contact our team for help reimagining your district’s facilities for the future.