TAYLOR, Mich. – Construction is underway on major athletic-facility upgrades at Taylor High School, part of the Taylor School District’s voter-approved $130 million bond program.
District leaders and community members marked the groundbreaking of the new sports complex, saying new fields and courts are long overdue.
“This is a big step to delivering our students the facilities that they deserve,” Superintendent Michael Wegher said. “We are here to finally give our students and our athletes the same opportunities they have in our neighboring districts.”
The work is tied to the district’s bond proposal, approved by voters in November 2021.
Bond information provided by the district at the time said the proposal totaled $130 million and included an estimated millage increase of 2.68 mills on top of an existing 0.96 mills, for an estimated 3.64 mills in the first year.
What’s being built
The renovations include upgraded baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, and a new turf field for football and soccer.
Wegher said the upgrades will allow the school to host baseball and softball games.
He said Taylor High School is the only school in the Downriver League with a natural grass field.
District Athletic Director Chris Simons said the upgrades are expected to help Taylor host more events.
“This facility is more than just kids and students practicing and playing games; it’s a hub for opportunities for our district,” Simons said. “We have a chance to bring more events to Taylor, such as band competitions, athletic tournaments, and community showcases.”
“These fields represent far more than grass turf and facilities,” said Taylor High School Principal Melissa Skopczynski. ”They represent opportunity. They represent school pride.”
Why a renovation — not a new high school
For some voters, the project comes with mixed feelings. The district’s 2021 bond FAQ described plans to construct a new high school building and a new career center on the former Kennedy High School site, along with athletic improvements and renovations to the existing Taylor High School building.
But district officials now say funding limitations have made building a new high school infeasible. After surveying voters, the district chose to renovate and modernize Taylor High School instead.
“I know that we have not been able to deliver on that promise of the bond campaign to build a brand new high school, but we are going to deliver a newly redesigned Taylor High School,” Wegher said.
Students and parents: ‘Catch up’ with neighboring districts
Senior Noelle Thomas said the upgrades will benefit students who come after her.
“It’s really cool to see that even though I won’t be here,” she said. “It’s good for all the underclassmen that are coming in to have something like that.”
Parent Chris Thomas said improved facilities could help the district retain students.
“We were behind in facilities for all the other districts, and so I’m glad to see us finally being able to catch up and being able to keep our kids,” he said. “We lose a lot of kids because of our facilities.”
“I’m a Kindergarten teacher, so I start them, and I get to see the whole process through their years of being in sports and being involved, so I’m excited they get to finally have something to be proud of and a place to play on where they can stay in the district,” said Angel Thomas.
More information about the 2021 bond program is available on the district’s website.