Dear Swartz Creek Community Schools Families, Staff, and Community Members,
The 2025 Climate Survey is now open, and we invite you to share your feedback with us.
This survey is open to:
• Students in Grades 6 and above
• Parents and guardians
• Staff members
• Community members
When participants begin the survey, they will select their role. The questions will then be tailored specifically to that group.
Swartz Creek Community Schools values your input and will use the feedback received to help ensure that our district’s programs, supports, and services continue to meet the needs of our students, families, and staff, in alignment with district goals.
This survey is being conducted by Hanover Research for research purposes only. All responses are confidential and anonymous. Names and identifying information, such as race or gender, will not be shared with the district or tied to individual responses. We ask that participants also avoid including names or identifying details in open-ended responses so feedback remains fully anonymous.
We truly appreciate your time and thoughtful participation.
Take the survey here:
https://hanover-research.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ezbR2HX0IrhJFb0
Thank you for helping us continue to grow and improve as a school community.
Sincerely,
Swartz Creek Community Schools
Dear Swartz Creek Families and Staff,
More than 100 community members, including parents, teachers, staff, Board of Education members, and other interested citizens, joined us last night to talk about the K–5 reconfiguration.
In small groups, families and staff shared their hopes, dreams, concerns, and questions for our young Dragons. We are grateful for the respectful conversations and the willingness of our community to come together and speak honestly about what matters most.
This meeting was designed as a community input session. It was not a place for final answers or decisions. Instead, participants helped identify the many factors the district must consider as we plan a transition. These include transportation, class sizes, student support, special education services, district boundary lines, facilities considerations, and much more.
The district will now begin working through the details to ensure that any transition is as smooth as possible for students, families, and staff. There will be additional opportunities for feedback as the Board continues this process.
If you would like to share feedback with the Board of Education, you may:
*Complete the follow-up survey by clicking the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScdBNxlEvAr2v0wJeyGTAbJ43MCKsIT-QZ9mENmUEpHzFNDPA/viewform (This survey closes on Tuesday, December 9, at noon.)
*Email Board members directly using the contact information below:
Chuck Melki, President – cmelki@swcrk.org
Jenni Wolgast, Vice-President – jwolgast@swcrk.org
Andrea Fick, Secretary – afick@swcrk.org
Ken Engel, Treasurer – kengel@swcrk.org
Carrie Germain, Trustee – cgermain@swcrk.org
Kim Winter, Trustee – kwinter@swcrk.org
Autumn Henry, Trustee – ahenry@swcrk.org
*Attend the next Board meeting on Wednesday, December 10, at 6 pm and speak during public comment (three minutes or less).
Thank you to everyone who participated and continues to support our schools.
Sincerely,
Jim Kitchen
Interim Superintendent
Dear Swartz Creek Families and Community,
As part of the district’s planning process to transition from our current K–2/3–5 elementary configuration back to a K–5 model beginning in Fall 2026, the Board of Education will hold a Special Community Input Meeting.
đź“Ť Wednesday, December 3
🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
🎠Swartz Creek Performing Arts Center
The purpose of this workshop is to gather stakeholder perspectives and help identify priorities, opportunities, and challenges related to this transition. We want every voice heard as we begin planning what is best for our students.
Who should attend?
• Current and future K–5 parents/guardians
• K–5 teachers and support staff
• All interested community & staff members are welcome
The evening will include small-group discussions with mixed groups of parents, teachers, and district leaders. We’ll be collecting questions, identifying potential challenges or concerns, and seeking input on what will be essential for a smooth transition.
Discussion topics will include (but are not limited to):
• Student learning and curriculum alignment
• Transportation and school arrival/dismissal logistics
• Student services and special education
• Social-emotional learning and classroom supports
• Class sizes and staffing
• Building space and capacity
• Family transitions and student placement
• Communication and timeline planning
• Facilities (playgrounds, coat hook/cubby height, classroom furniture, etc.)
• Before/after school care and programming
To help with planning, RSVP by Monday, December 1: https://forms.gle/7EoCe4p9RBjRQf3d7
All are welcome to attend. Signing up in advance helps us plan to have enough seats and materials.
This transition is significant, and we recognize that change can be challenging. Our goal is to ensure the process is thoughtful, collaborative, and focused on what is best for students. Your input will be invaluable as we begin this work.
Thank you in advance for your partnership and commitment to Swartz Creek Schools.
Sincerely,
Jim Kitchen
Interim Superintendent
Swartz Creek Community Schools
Dear Dragon Community,
At last night’s Board of Education meeting, the Board voted to return to a K–5 elementary school configuration beginning in the fall of 2026.
We are committed to moving through this process with great care to ensure a smooth transition that best supports our students and families.
Planning will begin immediately. A district committee will be formed to guide this work, and there will be opportunities for families to be involved and attend meetings as the process moves forward.
There are many important details still to be determined. As we work through this process, our guiding focus will be what is best for children. We are committed to communicating regularly with families throughout the planning stages.
Thank you for your continued support of Swartz Creek Schools.
Sincerely,
Jim Kitchen
Interim Superintendent
I am writing to inform you that a substitute teacher is no longer employed with Swartz Creek Community Schools following allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a student. For the protection of the student involved and to maintain the integrity of the ongoing investigation, we are unable to share additional details at this time.
Please know that the safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and will continue to take every step necessary to ensure that our schools are safe, supportive environments for all students.
Thank you for your understanding and trust as we address this serious matter with the utmost care and responsibility.
Sincerely,
Jim Kitchen
Interim Superintendent
Swartz Creek Community Schools
The District wishes to inform our community that negotiations for the potential sale of the Morrish Elementary property have concluded. The Board of Education has reviewed and carefully considered all aspects of the proposal and has decided to decline the offer presented by the interested purchaser.
We appreciate the time and professionalism demonstrated throughout the process by all parties involved. The prospective purchaser has expressed respect for the Board’s decision and reiterated their commitment to being a good neighbor as they move forward with their plans for construction and operations within the Advanced Manufacturing District.
The District remains focused on serving our students, families, and community, and will continue to provide updates as appropriate regarding the future use of the Morrish Elementary property.
We want to provide further clarification regarding the HOLD that occurred earlier this week at Swartz Creek High School.
During that time, contraband was discovered in a restroom, and law enforcement was immediately contacted to investigate. The precautionary hold was put in place while the situation was assessed. At no time was there a weapon, drugs, or any direct threat to students or staff.
We understand that families value timely and transparent communication whenever safety protocols are enacted. Our priority is always to share accurate information as soon as possible while also supporting law enforcement and maintaining a safe school environment. In this case, we limited certain details to protect the ongoing investigation and to help prevent potential copycat behavior.
The situation was resolved quickly, and our safety procedures worked as intended. We appreciate your continued trust, support, and partnership in helping us keep our schools safe and focused on learning.
Sincerely,
Jim Kitchen
Interim Superintendent
Swartz Creek Community Schools
I am writing to provide you with an update regarding the recent implementation of a HOLD protocol at our high school and to express our deepest appreciation for your patience and understanding during these incidents. As Interim Superintendent, I want to assure you that such measures are enacted only as a necessary precaution to safeguard the health, safety, and well-being of every student and staff member in our community. Buildings implementing a HOLD or similar safety precaution will always follow up with their building community.
Earlier this week, the hold was required to facilitate an investigation into a school-related matter. By temporarily restricting student movement between classes, our high school staff were able to effectively isolate and monitor any potentially involved individuals. This approach minimized disruptions to the learning environment, prevented the spread of misinformation, and ensured the security of all students and personnel while our administrative and security teams resolved the situation promptly. During a HOLD, teaching and learning continue; only access to the hallways is limited.
Today, the hold was implemented in response to a serious health emergency involving a student at the high school, for which an ambulance was immediately called. This protocol allowed emergency medical services to access the building swiftly and safely, without the added risk of student movement in hallways or common areas. As a result, we were able to provide the necessary care without delay, underscoring our unwavering priority on student health and rapid response to critical needs.
We fully recognize that these situations can cause concern and inconvenience, and we sincerely apologize for any anxiety they may have caused. Thank you once again for your continued partnership and support. Together, we will continue to foster a safe, secure, and nurturing environment where every student can thrive.
Sincerely,
Jim Kitchen
Interim Superintendent
Swartz Creek Community Schools
The Swartz Creek Board of Education is seeking feedback from families and staff about the current elementary configuration, in which two schools serve grades K–2 and two schools serve grades 3–5.
Your input will help the Board determine whether to maintain this configuration or consider returning to K–5 buildings. The survey is anonymous, and your honest feedback is greatly appreciated.
Please complete this survey by 3:00 PM, Friday, October 24th, 2025.
https://forms.gle/yy8EBWqjwqcDSBhTA
Thank you for your feedback.
Keeping in line with our commitment to community and staff engagement, the Swartz Creek Board of Education is dedicated to ensuring that staff and community voices are part of the process to select our next Superintendent.
The search for a Superintendent is one of the most important responsibilities of the Board of Education—it represents a major investment in our students, families, staff, and the entire Swartz Creek community.
Our Board has hired Ray and Associates to guide us through this process. As part of their work, they will be meeting with various stakeholder groups on October 21 and October 22, 2025, to gather input and perspectives that will help shape the candidate profile and priorities for our district.
All parents and community members are invited to participate in one of the following three opportunities to share feedback. (You do not need to attend all three sessions.)
Option 1 – Virtual
Date: October 21, 2025
Time: 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM EST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89350544168?pwd=SpalJmNRVxad6rrW5gRWblY2T64zNR.1
Meeting ID: 893 5054 4168
Passcode: 338006
Option 2 – Virtual
Date: October 21, 2025
Time: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM EST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82283132255?pwd=cRTa5v6x5zpHbwuEbIdePssATluaH3.1
Meeting ID: 822 8313 2255
Passcode: 225184
Option 3 – In Person
Date: October 22, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: Lobby of the Swartz Creek Performing Arts Center
Thank you in advance for helping us ensure that a broad range of voices are represented in this important process.
Your input and participation are greatly valued.
Dear Swartz Creek Community,
I hope the first quarter of the school year is going well for you and your family. As we continue into the fall, I am sharing several important updates and resources that may be of interest to you.
Superintendent Search
Our Board of Education has begun the process of selecting the next Superintendent for Swartz Creek Community Schools. We are committed to maintaining an open and transparent process. Details about the timeline, process, and opportunities for community input can be found here:
👉 https://www.swartzcreek.org/page/new-superintendent-search
Morrish Proposal
We have also received an official proposal from the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance regarding the Morrish property. The Board is considering a response and will confirm it on Wednesday, October 8. The full proposal can be reviewed at the following link:
👉 https://www.swartzcreek.org/page/morrish-proposal
Bond Project Updates
We are excited to share the progress on our bond renewal projects. You can stay informed about all upcoming facility and technology improvements here:
👉 https://www.swartzcreek.org/page/bond
As a reminder, our facility study identified approximately $72 million in overall needs in our District. Our community’s bond renewal secured just under $40 million, which is being strategically allocated toward specific upgrades and renovations. These projects are designed to enhance learning environments, update facilities, and improve access to technology for students. The only circumstance that could prevent a project from being completed is if bids exceed budgeted estimates. With the 2018 bond, we were able to add renovations to every building and provide secure vestibules in all buildings. The 2024 renewal will be executed responsibly and strategically to continue honoring the trust you have placed in us. Swartz Creek has had only one bond and one renewal in more than 50 years. We are committed to using these funds responsibly to ensure our students continue to learn in safe, modern, and inspiring spaces.
Thank you for your continued trust and support of Swartz Creek Community Schools. Together, we are building a bright future for our students and community.
With appreciation,
Jim Kitchen
Interim Superintendent
Swartz Creek Community Schools
Dear Swartz Creek Families,
On this anniversary of the September 11 attacks—and following the tragic shootings that shook our nation yesterday—we are reminded of the importance of safety, vigilance, and community.
This morning, Morrish Elementary and Elms Elementary went into a shelter-in-place out of an abundance of caution due to a nearby police matter. The shelter-in-place lasted approximately 15 minutes. During that time, staff followed every safety procedure to protect and reassure students. Chief Bade from the Metro Police Authority confirmed that our schools were secure and later advised us it was safe to lift the shelter-in-place after the situation was fully contained by the Michigan State Police.
I want to reassure you what a shelter-in-place means. It is not the same as an active-threat or active-shooter situation. The purpose is simply to ensure all students remain safely inside the building while instruction continues as usual.
Students stay indoors and do not go outside for activities such as recess or dismissal.
Teachers and staff remain alert and follow established safety protocols.
Classroom routines continue so children feel calm, safe, and secure.
Because this precaution is not related to an immediate danger inside the school, we do not share detailed information with students at the time. This helps them maintain their sense of normalcy and avoids unnecessary worry.
I could not be more proud of our educators and support staff. In a moment of uncertainty, they did what they always do—put children first.
Sincerely,
Jim Kitchen
Interim Superintendent, Swartz Creek Community Schools