(LANSING) – Union City is one of three school districts receiving money to consolidate and modernize their facilities.

The Michigan Department of Education says Union City Schools, Flint Community Schools and North Central Area Schools are being awarded a total of $75 million in consolidation grants. This will allow the districts to more efficiently use their resources to educate children and improve school infrastructure.

All three of these districts are dealing with declining enrollment and aging school buildings.

Union City is receiving $23.6 million. They plan to consolidate three school buildings into two by renovating the Elementary and High School facilities, and demolishing the Middle School. The District also plans to modernize existing facilities to improve educational outcomes, enhance safety and security, and reduce long term costs.

Union City Superintendent Chris Katz says they are extremely excited that this grant will enable them to provide tremendous opportunities for the students and their futures. He says the ability to keep their students safe and secure while also improving the aging facilities makes this a game-changing moment for Union City Schools and the entire community.

Katz says these funds coupled with additional dollars from the voters will put Union City Schools in a strong position for many years to come.