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Hemlock Schools Tapped For $1M Federal Childcare Facility Investment
Russ Survance
Fri, 19 Dec 2025 08:19:14 EST
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Hemlock Public School District has been identified to receive $1,015,000 in federal funding to expand early childhood childcare infrastructure through the USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Program. The Fiscal Year 2026 Community Project Funding designation was announced by U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) as the district moves toward the formal application stage.
The project aims to increase childcare capacity, support local families, and enhance early learning opportunities across the district. Superintendent Dr. Don Killingbeck said the initiative follows a model similar to the Patrick Wolgast Fieldhouse project, which was completed with federal support earlier this year.
"This early childhood project is that same kind of moment - only this time the impact starts even earlier," Killingbeck said.
District officials say the project addresses a regional childcare shortage affecting working families in mid-Michigan. Board of Education President Matt Wesener called the investment "a defining commitment to families," noting it reinforces the district's focus on student success from the earliest years.
Next steps include submitting a project narrative, cost estimates, funding plan, and design documents to USDA Rural Development for final review.
