There are numerous projects underway at local schools this summer, as students and staff enjoy a long vacation and funds from voter-approved bond efforts and fundraising campaigns are put to work.
What upgrades should your child expect when they return this fall? The Sentinel has compiled a list, organized by district, of some of the biggest projects happening right now at area school districts — some of which will extend into or throughout the upcoming school year.
Hamilton Community Schools
The most significant project at Hamilton Community Schools is the replacement of the roof at Hamilton Middle School. The project began in June and will continue through August 2027. Due to the scope of the project, eighth graders are being moved to Hamilton High School.
The district is also continuing work to convert Hamilton Christian Reformed Church, which HCS purchased in 2025, into a home for Hamilton Virtual School.
Holland Public Schools
Holland Public Schools broke ground on a new athletics complex on the campus of Holland High School in June. The project, funded by a 2025 bond, will provide a home football stadium on the high school campus for the first time ever.
The project will also bring new track, baseball and softball fields — plus a practice area for the school’s marching band. The baseball and softball fields are expected to be ready for the spring season, with the football stadium opening in the fall of 2027.
In addition, a two-year project transforming Holland Heights Elementary into a nature-based school wrapped up this summer, with students set to return to the building in August.
Holland Christian Schools
A major renovation at Holland Christian’s South Side Elementary began on the last day of school in June. The project includes building a “creative heart” at the school, along with an updated playground, offices with secure entries and various infrastructure improvements.
The construction will close South Side for 2026-27, with the building temporarily moving operations to Holland Public’s Longfellow School.
Holland Christian is also working on parking lot and secure entry improvements at Holland Christian High School and Pine Ridge Elementary.
West Ottawa Public Schools
West Ottawa Public Schools is continuing construction of a new Community and Aquatic Center on the campus of West Ottawa High School. The district broke ground on the $63 million project, funded by a 2023 bond, in May 2025. That’s expected to continue until August 2027.
The district is also working to complete roofing, lighting and HVAC improvements at Waukazoo Elementary and Woodside Elementary — in addition to technology and transportation upgrades.
Zeeland Public Schools
Zeeland Public Schools is continuing work on projects related to a 2021 bond, including new dressing rooms and backstage areas at Zeeland East’s DeWitt Auditorium. According to the district website, new career-based learning classrooms at ZEHS are scheduled to open in the fall of 2027.
According to a timeline on the website, several 2025 bond projects are in the design phase, with construction expected to begin in 2027.
— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Are upgrades coming to your child’s school near Holland in 2026-27?
Reporting by Mitchell Boatman, Holland Sentinel / The Holland Sentinel
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By Mitchell Boatman, Holland Sentinel | USA TODAY Network
