Achieving New Heights
We Need Your Voice To Shape the Future of Our Schools
With two schools on one campus serving students from preschool through 8th grade, Pontiac William Holliday School District is dedicated to providing safe, accessible, and future-ready learning environments.
However, our schools face significant challenges. Both William Holliday Elementary (built in 1959) and Pontiac Junior High (built in 1976) are aging and do not meet the needs of students today.
We’re looking for volunteers to help us go door to door to encourage our neighbors to join us at an Achieving New Heights Community Workshop. If you can help please let us know here!
Current Challenges
Health/Life Safety Violations, including:
Outdated roofing, HVAC and lighting
Electrical and plumbing
Exhaust and ventilation
Flooring and ceiling
Door repairs/replacements
ADA access
Exterior masonry, mortar, and window repairs
Crowding: Classrooms are crowded, and students are learning in hallways and non-classroom spaces.
Safety & Security: No secure entry points and traffic congestion on campus.
Small Cafeterias and Kitchens: Lack of space causes scheduling issues, increases behavioral issues and leads to students eating at times that disrupt focus and learning.
Inefficient Setups: Administrative spaces and storage do not meet current needs.
School Snapshots
William Holliday Elementary (PreK–5)
66 years old; 5 additions since 1959 (additions in 1963, 1966, 1967, 1971, 2005)
Health/Life Safety violations across electrical, plumbing, and ventilation
No secure entry, crowded classrooms, and a cafeteria that’s too small
Accessibility (ADA) noncompliance
Aging masonry, windows, and roofing
Pontiac Junior High (6–8)
49 years old; 2 additions since 1976 (additions 1978 and 2009)
Health/Life Safety violations across electrical, plumbing, and ventilation
No secure entry, crowded classrooms, and a cafeteria that’s too small
Accessibility (ADA) noncompliance
Needs HVAC, roofing, ceiling, lighting, and flooring updates
Next Steps
To address these challenges, the District has launched Achieving New Heights, an effort that is bringing the community together to discuss needs, provide feedback, and shape solutions for the future.
Community Engagement Opportunities
Workshops & Tours
District-Wide Online Survey
Open to all residents, offering a convenient way to contribute ideas and priorities.
Be sure to check the district’s social media and your mailbox in mid-November for your opportunity to participate.
Open House with District Leadership
Resources
Community Workshop Presentation
Overview of challenges and needs
Executive Summary
Key takeaways
Small Group Verbatim Responses
All community comments during activities
Building Tour Executive Summary
Summary of building conditions and insights
Tour Verbatim Responses
Participant observations and notes
Board Presentation
Summary of the community engagement process, key findings, and recommendation presented to the Board on December 16, 2025
Recommendations Report With Recommendations
Summary of engagement activities, priorities, and facility recommendations