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Hemlock Schools Enter Final Phase of Campus Transformation
Russ Survance
Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:20:18 EDT
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Hemlock, Michigan - Hemlock Public School District is nearing the finish line of a dramatic campus transformation that has reshaped learning, athletics, and community spaces across the district. As students head into spring break, district leaders are asking the community to pardon the dust one or two more times as two final projects begin.
Board of Education President Matt Wesener said the progress reflects the strength and commitment of the Hemlock community. "These improvements show what can happen when a community believes in its schools," Wesener said. "We appreciate the continued support and patience as we complete these final steps that will benefit students for many years to come."
The message is simple. We are very close.
When students return from spring break, work will begin to transform the Larry Gariglio Theatre into a flexible cafetorium space that will serve students during lunch while still functioning as a performance/event venue as well.
The current tiered seating will be removed to allow the space to accommodate student dining, but the heart of the theatre will remain. The stage will stay. The curtains will stay. The lights will stay. The student talent on the stage will mostly move to the PAC with the exception of a dinner theatre.
The space will continue to carry the name Larry Gariglio Theatre, honoring the legacy associated with the facility while expanding how the space serves students throughout the school day.
"This is an exciting step forward for our high school," said Hemlock High School Principal Keith Green. "Students will have a comfortable place to gather for lunch, and we will still preserve the stage, lighting, and performance environment that make the Gariglio Theatre such an important part of our school."
Students say they are looking forward to seeing the final results of the campus improvements.
"It has been really cool to watch everything change over the past couple of years," said one Hemlock High School senior. "Knowing that these spaces are being built for students like us makes you appreciate the school and the community even more. The new cafetorium will be a place we use every day, and it will still have the stage for performances and events."
The district will also begin converting the former band room, which served as a temporary weight room in recent years, into a new food service kitchen and serving area. Construction will begin during spring break and continue through the summer, with completion expected before the start of the 2026-2027 school year.
These improvements will strengthen the district's ability to serve students and modernize food service operations.
As construction continues on the district's new Performing Arts Center (PAC), crews must also complete final earthwork around the site. During this work, the current bus drive that enters from Hemlock Road and serves both Hemlock Elementary and Hemlock High School will be temporarily rerouted.
For a short time, buses will enter campus from Pine Street, and in some cases traffic may also move near the Lockwood STEM Center while crews complete the final grading work around the PAC. We know that this may cause traffic delays along Pine Street at times.
Superintendent Don Killingbeck said the final phase of construction represents a once in a generation improvement for Hemlock students. "Our community has shown incredible patience as we have worked through this transformation," Killingbeck said. "What is being created across this campus will serve students every day and open doors that did not exist before. We are incredibly grateful for the support of our families and community as we finish strong."
Families may also experience minor inconvenience when entering campus near the Legend Gymnasium or when using the main drive at the front of the high school.
District leaders will continue to share updates as construction progresses. For now, the district asks the community for just a little more patience. Pardon the dust one or two more times. The finish line is in sight.
Small Town. Big Opportunities. #PullTheSled
