Click Here to RSVP
Achieving New Heights

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.

Join us to see the challenges firsthand! 

Achieving New Heights Community Workshops
October 22, 27, 28 | 6:30–8:30 p.m. | Pontiac Gym

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    • Outdated roofing, HVAC and lighting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

    • October 22, 27, 28 | 6:30–8:30 p.m. | Pontiac Gym

    • These sessions will allow you to see facility challenges firsthand and provide feedback. 

    • The content of each presentation and workshop session will be the same. Please choose the date that works best for you.

    • Each evening will begin with a tour of the building. Then, district leadership and members of the Achieving New Heights team will share an overview of our schools and building, followed by a short video showcasing our schools’ critical needs. At the end of the presentation, participants will provide input on possible solutions.

    • RSVP for a session here. RSVPs aren’t required, but help us make proper arrangements.

  • 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

    • November 17 from 6:30–8:30 p.m., where feedback will be discussed and next steps outlined.

FAQs
Ask a Question