TCAPS to Delay Opening of New Montessori School

Construction and other delays are forcing a northern Michigan school district to delay the opening of its new Montessori building.

TCAPS was hoping to open the new Montessori school on Franke Road this fall. Between supply chain issues, construction delays, and labor shortages, that timeline was pushed back to January of 2023. But now – more delays – including additional construction issues and delays with state inspections.

TCAPS Superintendent Dr. John VanWagoner says they’re now looking to move at either Spring Break of 2023, or holding off until next fall, to open the school. “The timeline is just really tight. We’re looking right now at a projected date of completion of December 23. That is without any punch-list items or state inspections. That is the part we really are worried about. It has put us back many, many times on this project.” He cites a shortage of state inspectors as one of those delays.

TCAPS is taking parent input on the options for when to move, and how the school calendar might be affected. Those parent surveys are due back to the district on Friday.