May 19, 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Restructuring of the Alternative High School Program
What’s happening with W.K. Preparatory, the alternative high school?
On Monday evening, the Battle Creek Public Schools Board of Education approved the administration’s recommendation to restructure the district’s alternative high school program. This decision will transition the current W.K. Preparatory High School into a school-within-a-school model at Battle Creek Central High School beginning in the 2025–26 school year.
This action reflects the district’s unwavering commitment to student success and fiscal responsibility. While W.K. Prep has provided critical support to students over the years, current data shows an urgent need for improvement. The new model will preserve the most impactful elements of alternative education—such as personalized learning, flexible scheduling, and credit recovery—while integrating these features into a more robust, resource-rich environment with expanded access to wraparound services.
What are the changes coming to the W.K. Prep program?
The restructuring of this program will help align it more closely with student needs while maintaining current best practices. This includes:
Relocating the program to Battle Creek Central High School (BCCHS) to foster a safe, welcoming, and supportive learning environment with access to more student services.
Reviewing the instructional model to ensure it includes personalized learning, career preparation, and wraparound supports.
Expanding access to credit recovery, mental health resources, and postsecondary planning.
Why are these changes happening?
The changes happening with our alternative high school programming are both financial and academic. While effective for some, 8 out of 10 students have not been successful with the current model, and as such, a restructuring is needed to ensure every student is successful. At BCPS, we strive for 100% success for every Bearcat. W.K. Prep offers an alternative program that no other high school in the area can offer and we want to make sure that the program is delivering on the promise of increased success for students who need an alternative high school experience.
Further, due to decreases in state and federal grant funding that all public school districts are facing right now, BCPS will benefit from reducing operating costs by moving this program to the BCCHS building. Like many districts across the state, BCPS must make responsible, strategic decisions to consolidate services and programs in order to ensure the long-term sustainability and success of the entire school system. The restructuring of the alternative program reflects BCPS’s educational priorities and fiscal responsibility.
If the community just approved a bond, why can’t those funds be used to address the district’s budget shortfall or prevent program restructuring?
While we are incredibly grateful to the community for supporting the recent bond proposal, it's important to understand that bond funds are legally restricted and can only be used for specific purposes, such as facilities improvements, technology upgrades, and school infrastructure projects. These funds cannot be used for operating expenses like staff salaries, classroom programs, or ongoing services.
By consolidating resources and improving how we deliver services, we are working to ensure that every dollar in our operating budget is used as effectively as possible to support students, while also planning for the district’s long-term financial sustainability.
How will students be affected by W.K. Prep's restructuring?
All students currently enrolled in the W.K. Prep program will have the opportunity to continue their education through the redesigned W.K. Prep program at BCCHS. BCPS will work individually with students and families to ensure a smooth transition with no disruption to their academic progress.
What is BCPS’ plan for the W.K. Prep building?
BCPS is working on plans for the building as a community hub and will share updates in the future.
Will W.K. Prep maintain its own identity and staff within BCCHS?
W.K. Prep will maintain its own identity and will have dedicated staff who specialize in the alternative high school model. Students will continue to receive individualized support and benefit from a learning experience tailored to their specific needs.
How will BCPS communicate W.K. Prep updates with the community?
BCPS will host informational sessions for parents and students to learn more about the changes. We will notify families and community members of the dates and locations of these sessions.
How can families and community members get more information or share their feedback?
We welcome your input. Families and stakeholders are encouraged to contact the Superintendent’s Office at (269) 965-9465 or email the Assistant to the Superintendent and Board of Education, Coweta Smith at csmith2@battle-creek-k12.mi.us.
What are the next steps in the restructuring process?
To ensure a thoughtful and inclusive transition, the Director of Secondary Education will convene a dedicated Transition Team in the coming weeks. This team will include staff from both W.K. Prep and Battle Creek Central, as well as student representatives to ensure student voice remains central to the process.
The team will meet throughout the summer to co-design a program that reflects the unique needs of our students and strengthens the support systems that help them succeed. Their work will focus on creating a welcoming, effective learning environment that upholds the district’s mission of equity, innovation, and excellence.
Battle Creek Public Schools is grateful for the continued partnership of staff, students, families, and the broader community as we move forward with this important work. More information and updates will be shared in the coming months as the transition progresses.