Lansing USD 469’s District Site Council met on November 20, 2025, to hear updates from Superintendent Mr. Marty Kobza and share feedback on several key topics, including a potential bond initiative, facility needs, and new supports for student behavior. The council includes administrators from every building, parent and guardian representatives, and students from Lansing Middle School and Lansing High School. The Director of Teaching & Learning and Director of Communications also participated in the conversation.
Mr. Kobza began by sharing results from a recent facilities assessment and a phone survey of Lansing residents. While 84% of respondents rated the district positively overall, the assessment confirmed that many of the district’s roofs and HVAC systems are at or beyond their useful life. A potential bond package of approximately $30 million would focus on “taking care of what we have” rather than building new schools. Priority projects under discussion include roof and HVAC replacements, safety and security upgrades (such as secure entrances, cameras, and window film), playground surfacing and equipment, and critical infrastructure like electrical panels, asphalt, and LED lighting.
A major area of interest is expanding Career & Technical Education (CTE) at Lansing High School. The district is exploring improvements to health careers (CNA and related fields), culinary arts, welding, construction trades, industrial maintenance and automation, and horticulture/greenhouse programs. These additions would give students more options to prepare for high-skill, high-wage jobs, whether their plans include college, technical training, or directly entering the workforce. The district is also planning a more modest renovation of the Early Childhood Center, including a new HVAC system, roof, preschool-appropriate restrooms, interior updates, and a secure entry.
The council also discussed the increasing number of students who are entering school with significant behavioral and social-emotional needs. At the elementary level, Lansing has added a second Structured Behavioral Support classroom and is launching a new “KinderBoost” program designed for students who are not yet ready for a traditional kindergarten classroom. These efforts aim to support individual students while maintaining safe, productive learning environments for all. Administrators are also exploring regional partnerships with neighboring districts to share specialized programming for students with more intensive needs.
Mr. Kobza provided an update on enrollment and Lansing’s growing virtual school, which has expanded from roughly 60 students last year to more than 130 this year. The virtual program brings additional state funding into the district without increasing local property taxes and offers flexible options for students who need an alternative to traditional in-person learning.
More information about the potential bond, including a Frequently Asked Questions section, is available on the district website under the “Lansing USD469 Bond Initiative” page. Families and community members are encouraged to review the information and share questions with the district so they can be added to the FAQ.