It is actually "settling in"--the thought that Escanaba will have a beautifully renovated high school, along with upgrades to Lemmer, Webster, and Soo Hill, and even to some extent the bus garage! It is exciting to also know that a big piece of this endeavor will be in the area of energy (as "green" as we can be...) science, and technology.
In my former positions downstate, I did a bit of grant writing, and I know that it is time-consuming, yet it can be a beneficial way to supplement projects that you already have on your plate. Due to the fact that our District spent considerable time doing a data review for strategic planning back in August 2009, with a vision for Escanaba's future; AND now that we have funds to do things in the areas of technology, science, and energy, I believe we are in a great position to explore grant opportunities.
I will be working with our staff to consider this possibility. If for instance, we will have funds to put in certain kinds of technology, we might explore the possibility to write a grant to help pay for supplemental resources and training to help to enrich the renovation project even further. Another example might be, if we are going to replace windows that help maximize light for learning, and to save heating costs, perhaps we might write a grant to help supplement instruction we provide to students in the area of "green energy" with hands-on learning experiences. Many grants are designed to help boost an innovative project or idea. Given the reconfiguration of our schools, coupled with a 21.6 million dollar renovation project, I would think we are ripe for grant-funded enhancements.