Community Curiosities for February 2026

“Are there planned daily hours of operation for the Laker Athletic Center? Plans for middle school use? Will there be set schedules? Will all of this information be communicated online or on our district website—and will it be spelled out clearly?”
— Nick

Thank you for raising these questions, Nick. They give us an important opportunity to clarify how the Laker Athletic Center (LAC) is currently being used and how we’re continuing to refine its operation.

First and foremost, the LAC is actively and regularly used by our students during the school day. Physical education classes use the space almost daily. Our marching band has shared positive feedback about the acoustics during fall rehearsals, choirs have been in to explore sound and performance, and both our Intermediate and Middle Schools have hosted events in the space. This month, our youngest learners—preschool students—are also spending time in the LAC for play experiences alongside high school students.

In addition, every high school student has an offered access period immediately after school for strength training. From there, each athletic team is scheduled weekly opportunities through coordination with our facility manager.

Your question about middle school use highlights an important gap—one we’re actively looking to fill. (So much so that we hope to release some news for our middle school students in their school announcements next week about turf field opportunities!) We want our students to use this space. During these first five months of operation, we’re intentionally tracking gaps like this and continuing to work toward the best options for all age levels. Thank you for bringing this forward in this forum; Community Curiosities is exactly the right place for these conversations.

As part of the broader discussion around the LAC, we also want to address questions we’ve heard about youth sports programming and facility fees.

While the LAC was built with the support of our taxpayers—something we are deeply grateful for—the bond covers construction only as state law prohibits the use of bond funds for operational purposes such as utilities or staffing.. The bond cannot cover the ongoing cost of operating the facility. Each year, the LAC will cost the district approximately $185,000 for utilities, staffing and supervision, cleaning, and basic upkeep.

Rental and usage fees help share a portion of these ongoing costs so classroom and instructional dollars are not reduced. The district is not making money on the LAC. Even with fees in place, the district continues to absorb part of the true cost of operating the space.

Youth organizations such as Youth Lacrosse are considered partner organizations, not outside renters. These partners serve district students, operate as nonprofits, and align with the district’s mission. Because of that, they are charged reduced, below-market rates.

Our approach is about balance—maintaining community access, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and protecting the longevity of a facility our community invested in together. We’re thankful to our community for passing the 2023 bond and for continuing to engage with us as we work toward the best use of this shared space.

Finally, because the facility is not open to the public, we do not post those hours online, but we do have a basic landing spot for our rental agreements. You can find that here.

 

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“Why don’t we get Martin Luther King Jr. Day off?”
— Michael

Thank you for raising this question, Michael. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and message are deeply important, and this is a topic we revisit thoughtfully and regularly.

While Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a day off for many in our region, it is not universal throughout West Michigan. As part of our negotiated school calendar, the district frequently reviews how this day is best honored. At this time, we have chosen to recognize Dr. King’s legacy through intentional learning within the school day rather than by closing school.

Our belief is that Dr. King’s teachings—centered on service, justice, empathy, and community—are most meaningful when they are explored directly with students. Our schools take time to acknowledge his life and impact, helping students understand both the historical significance of his work and its relevance today.

We recognize that families may have different perspectives on how this day should be observed, and we appreciate the respectful way this question was asked. These conversations help ensure we continue to reflect on our practices and remain thoughtful in how we honor leaders whose messages still shape our world.