Hemlock Public School District (HPSD) announced today that its proposed Childcare Facility Construction project has been identified for $1,015,000 in Fiscal Year 2026 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) / Community Project Funding (CPF) through USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program. The district was recently notified of this designation by Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) as the federal process advances toward the formal application stage.
This federal investment is intended to strengthen and expand early childhood programming infrastructure in Hemlock—supporting families, growing local childcare capacity, and reinforcing the district’s long-term commitment to student success from the very first years of learning.
USDA’s Community Facilities program is designed to help rural communities develop essential services—including child care centers—by supporting the purchase, construction, or improvement of facilities that serve local needs. (Rural Development)
A Familiar, Proven Path: The Fieldhouse Model
The district will move forward with USDA’s requested next steps, including a project narrative, cost estimates, funding plan, and current design phase documentation. This process mirrors the pathway that helped bring the Patrick Wolgast Fieldhouse to life—an earlier HPSD project supported by a $1,000,000 Community Project Funding grant and finalized through USDA authorization in 2025. (hemlockps.com)
“We’ve seen what this federal partnership can unlock for a community like ours,” said Superintendent Dr. Don Killingbeck. “The Fieldhouse showed what’s possible when vision, local support, and federal investment align. This early childhood project is that same kind of moment—only this time the impact starts even earlier. We are building a stronger front door to learning for young families, and that strengthens everything that comes after.”
Meeting a Real, Regional Need
Across Michigan and the nation, communities are being challenged by childcare shortages and long waitlists. In mid-Michigan, leaders have emphasized the urgency of rebuilding capacity and access for working families. (Midland Daily News) HPSD’s proposal is designed to help meet that need locally by increasing space and improving infrastructure for early learners and the families who depend on reliable, high-quality care.
Board of Education: A Defining Investment in Families
Board of Education President Matt Wesener highlighted the long-term significance of the funding designation:
“This is the kind of investment that shapes a community’s future,” Wesener said. “We’ve made major commitments to student opportunity through facilities across the district. Now we’re applying that same momentum to early childhood—because strong schools start with strong starts. This funding strengthens families, supports our workforce, and reflects our district’s clear focus on Kids First.”
Next steps | HPSD will provide USDA Rural Development with:
A detailed project narrative outlining how funds will be used
Estimated total project cost and complementary funding strategy
Documentation of the project’s current design phase
Required environmental review materials for construction projects
Upon submission and review, USDA will assign a specialist to guide the district through the formal application process.