Forest Hills Public Schools is actively modernizing its extensive campus infrastructure and digital learning environments. The district is currently engaged in significant athletic facility upgrades across its high schools, including the construction of a new aquatic center and the transition to turf fields for various sports programs. Concurrently, operational systems are being enhanced through a district-wide firewall replacement and a refresh of staff and student technology devices.
These modernization efforts create operational pressure related to system integration, facility coordination, and network security across 19 buildings serving nearly 10,000 students. Vendors supporting campus infrastructure, cybersecurity, and educational technology systems can provide critical support. This includes solutions for modern athletic facilities, robust network defenses, and efficient device management for both staff and students.
Forest Hills Public Schools Snapshot
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
School District: Forest Hills Public Schools
Grades Served: PK-12
Technology Environment: Actively uses Canvas as its Learning Management System, PowerSchool for student information, and Clever as a student online app portal. The district is currently upgrading its core network security infrastructure and refreshing staff and student computing devices.
Key Initiative: Ongoing athletic facility modernization and district-wide technology infrastructure upgrades.
Website: https://www.fhps.net/
Recent Funding and Procurement Activity
| Funding Activity | Amount | Operational Area | Current School-Level Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital Projects Fund 2025 Expenditures | $290,574.09 (for January 2026) | Facility Improvements, Construction, Renovation | Funds ongoing major facility upgrades across district buildings. |
| Capital Projects Fund 2023 Disbursements | $1,346,032.47 (for January 2026) | Major Capital Improvements, Construction, Renovation | Supports active infrastructure projects and facility modernization. |
| Meadow Brook Elementary Renovations | $11,943,231 (estimated project cost) | Elementary School Modernization | Approved for comprehensive structural, aesthetic, and safety compliance enhancements at Meadow Brook Elementary. |
| Staff Laptop Refresh Program | $727,146 (estimated cost) | Technology Hardware | Funds the replacement of 609 staff laptops across the district, scheduled for Summer 2026. |
| Chromebooks for STEM Electives | $228,680 (estimated cost) | Instructional Technology | Procures 340 new Chromebooks and 10 carts for STEM electives in 10 school buildings. |
| Enterprise Firewall Solution RFP | Not specified (RFP value) | Network Security | Seeking bids for an enterprise-class firewall solution to replace existing devices, issued December 2025. |
| Structured Cabling Services RFP | Not specified (RFP value) | Network Infrastructure | Seeking bids for structured cabling components and services across schools, issued December 2025. |
| Ada Elementary Renovation | Not specified (RFP value) | Elementary School Modernization | Seeking bids for comprehensive renovations including structural, electrical, and plumbing updates at Ada Elementary. |
| Operations Building Mechanical Improvements | Not specified (RFP value) | Facilities Operations | Seeking bids for mechanical improvements at the operations facility, issued February 2026. |
Leadership and Key Buying Personas
| Name | Role | Department | Public Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Kirby | Superintendent | Administration | - |
| Julie Davis | Assistant Superintendent, Finance & Operations | Finance & Operations | - |
| Scott Haid | Assistant Superintendent, Instruction | Instruction | - |
| Cory Anderson | Director of Operations | Operations | coanderson@fhps.net |
| Ryan Kimball | Director of Safety & Security | Safety & Security | - |
| Director of Technology | Technology | - | |
| Kristen Fauson | Board President | Board of Education | fhpsboardofeducation@fhps.net |
| Kim Van Antwerp | Director of Elementary Instructional Services | Instruction | - |
| Jon Gregory | Director of Secondary Instructional Services | Instruction | - |
| Tamasha James | Director of Student Success | Instruction | - |
Key Initiatives at a Glance
- Constructing a new aquatic center for district and community use.
- Upgrading athletic facilities, including turf field installations and field relocation, across high schools.
- Modernizing learning and collaborative spaces within Northern Hills Middle School and Forest Hills Central High School.
- Implementing comprehensive renovations at Meadow Brook Elementary School and Ada Elementary School.
- Replacing existing enterprise firewalls to enhance network security.
- Refreshing staff laptops and procuring new Chromebooks for STEM elective courses.
- Upgrading structured cabling infrastructure across multiple school buildings.
What Companies Can Sell to Forest Hills Public Schools
| Who Can Sell Here | Current Initiative | Operational Pressure | Seller Positioning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction & Facilities Management | Construction of new aquatic center. | Coordinating large-scale construction with existing school operations and schedules. | Offer project management, site safety, and schedule optimization for complex facility builds. |
| Athletic facility upgrades (turf fields, field relocation). | Managing specialized sports surface installation and ground improvements to minimize disruption. | Provide expertise in athletic field construction, drainage, and long-term maintenance. | |
| Renovations at Meadow Brook and Ada Elementary. | Ensuring minimal impact on daily instruction during active renovation phases in occupied buildings. | Deliver phased renovation strategies and efficient material management for active school environments. | |
| Operations Building mechanical improvements. | Maintaining essential building systems functionality during critical infrastructure upgrades. | Supply specialized HVAC, plumbing, and electrical solutions for operational continuity. | |
| Network Infrastructure & Cybersecurity | Enterprise firewall replacement. | Migrating critical security infrastructure without service interruption or data exposure. | Offer seamless firewall deployment, configuration, and advanced threat protection solutions. |
| Structured cabling infrastructure upgrade. | Coordinating extensive cabling installation across multiple buildings to support growing network demands. | Provide efficient cabling deployment, network design, and future-proof infrastructure solutions. | |
| Instructional Technology & Device Management | Staff laptop refresh program. | Deploying new devices to staff while ensuring data migration and minimal workflow disruption. | Offer comprehensive device deployment services, asset tagging, and end-user support. |
| Chromebook procurement for STEM electives. | Integrating new devices into existing digital learning platforms and managing device allocation. | Provide bulk Chromebook supply, device management integration, and classroom deployment support. | |
| New bi-directional amplifier system for Eastern Middle High School. | Ensuring critical safety communication systems are operational and integrated with existing infrastructure. | Supply specialized public safety radio amplification systems and installation services. | |
| Facilities Maintenance & Energy Solutions | General infrastructure updates via Capital Projects Fund. | Managing the lifecycle of aging building systems and planning for preventative maintenance. | Offer smart building technologies, energy efficiency audits, and predictive maintenance platforms. |
| Educational Software & Digital Platforms | Utilization of Canvas, PowerSchool, Clever. | Optimizing integration and interoperability between core educational platforms. | Provide solutions that enhance data flow, user experience, and reporting capabilities across platforms. |
| Safety & Security Systems | Bi-directional amplifier system for emergency responders. | Implementing systems that ensure reliable emergency communication throughout school facilities. | Offer emergency communication solutions, system integration, and regulatory compliance expertise. |
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Why Companies Should Consider Selling to Forest Hills Public Schools
- Forest Hills Public Schools maintains a highly active capital improvement and modernization cycle, driven by a recent $340 million bond.
- The district currently allocates significant funds towards both facility construction/renovation and technology infrastructure enhancements.
- Multiple large-scale projects are underway or in active procurement phases, creating consistent opportunities for specialized vendors.
- Operational decisions are made at the district level, but with visible implementation impacting individual school environments.
- The technology environment is focused on maintaining robust network security and ensuring adequate device access for students and staff.
1. Aquatic Center Construction
What Forest Hills Public Schools Is Doing
Forest Hills Public Schools is constructing a new state-of-the-art aquatic center. Construction began in mid-November 2025 and is progressing through early spring 2026, with an anticipated opening in early July 2028. This facility will feature both a competition pool and a recreation pool.
Key Buyer Personas
- Julie Davis, Assistant Superintendent, Finance & Operations
- Cory Anderson, Director of Operations
- Kristen Fauson, Board President
Operational Challenges
- Coordinating a complex, multi-year construction project to ensure alignment with district timelines and budget.
- Integrating new facility systems like HVAC, water filtration, and safety controls into existing district operational frameworks.
- Managing construction logistics and site access to minimize impact on adjacent school activities and community use.
Relevant Company Categories for Forest Hills Public Schools
- Aquatic Facility Construction
- Commercial Pool Equipment Suppliers
- HVAC and Mechanical Systems
- Integrated Building Management Systems
- Construction Project Management Services
Relevant Companies
Counsilman-Hunsaker — Aquatic facility planning, design, and engineering.
Relevant for: Specialized design and engineering expertise for competition and recreation pools.
Neptune-Benson — Filtration systems, UV disinfection, and water quality solutions.
Relevant for: Advanced water treatment and purification for complex aquatic environments.
Paddock Pool Equipment Co. — Commercial pool equipment, including deck equipment and recirculation systems.
Relevant for: Durable and compliant equipment for high-traffic school and community pools.
Sample Outbound Angle
"Saw the exciting progress on the new Forest Hills Public Schools Aquatic Center.
Large-scale aquatic builds often present unique challenges around maintaining optimal air and water quality while managing energy costs for complex mechanical systems.
We've seen other districts address this proactively by integrating advanced HVAC and water treatment solutions early in construction. Is that something you're seeing as well?"
2. Athletic Facilities Modernization
What Forest Hills Public Schools Is Doing
Forest Hills Public Schools is enhancing its athletic facilities by upgrading existing fields and adding new ones. This includes turf installations for baseball and softball fields at Central High School and Northern High School, relocating Northern's softball field, and adding an auxiliary turf field at Eastern High School. Construction for Northern Athletics improvements began in April 2026.
Key Buyer Personas
- Julie Davis, Assistant Superintendent, Finance & Operations
- Cory Anderson, Director of Operations
- Kristen Fauson, Board President
- Matt Inman, Head of Grounds
Operational Challenges
- Managing the conversion from natural grass to artificial turf, ensuring proper drainage and base construction.
- Coordinating multiple field upgrades simultaneously across different high school campuses.
- Ensuring new athletic surfaces meet safety standards and provide consistent playability throughout the year.
Relevant Company Categories for Forest Hills Public Schools
- Artificial Turf Field Installers
- Sports Lighting Systems
- Athletic Field Drainage Solutions
- Scoreboard and Display Technologies
- Fencing and Seating Solutions
Relevant Companies
FieldTurf — Manufacturer and installer of artificial turf systems for sports.
Relevant for: High-performance, durable turf surfaces for multiple athletic fields.
Musco Lighting — Sports lighting systems for athletic facilities.
Relevant for: Energy-efficient and precise illumination for evening events and practices.
Sportworks Field Design — Athletic field design, engineering, and consulting services.
Relevant for: Expertise in site preparation, drainage, and safety for new and renovated sports fields.
Sample Outbound Angle
"Noticed Forest Hills Public Schools is making significant progress on turf field upgrades across Northern and Eastern High Schools.
Converting multiple natural grass fields to artificial turf can often create logistical complexities around sub-base construction, drainage, and material delivery.
Many school districts prioritize a cohesive project management approach for such multi-site athletic upgrades. What has your experience been with that?"
3. Network Security Enhancement (Firewall Replacement)
What Forest Hills Public Schools Is Doing
Forest Hills Public Schools is replacing its existing WatchGuard M4800 firewall devices with an enterprise-class firewall solution. The district sought proposals in December 2025 for a high-availability, active/passive setup to ensure redundancy and automatic failover capabilities. This upgrade will replace the current system deployed at Northern High School's headend.
Key Buyer Personas
- Director of Technology
- Julie Davis, Assistant Superintendent, Finance & Operations
- Ryan Kimball, Director of Safety & Security
Operational Challenges
- Migrating network traffic and configurations from old to new firewall systems without service interruption.
- Ensuring compatibility and seamless integration with existing network infrastructure and security policies.
- Maintaining robust network security and compliance during the transition period.
Relevant Company Categories for Forest Hills Public Schools
- Enterprise Firewall Solutions
- Network Security Consulting
- Managed Security Services
- Network Monitoring and Analytics
- Data Loss Prevention Solutions
Relevant Companies
Palo Alto Networks — Next-generation firewalls with advanced threat prevention.
Relevant for: Securing district networks with comprehensive threat intelligence and application control.
Fortinet — High-performance firewall solutions for large-scale environments.
Relevant for: Integrated security services including intrusion prevention and web filtering.
Sophos — Synchronized security solutions including firewalls and endpoint protection.
Relevant for: Centralized management and automated response to network threats.
Sample Outbound Angle
"It seems Forest Hills Public Schools is upgrading its network security with a new enterprise-class firewall solution.
Rolling out new core network infrastructure often creates concerns around seamless integration with existing systems and ensuring minimal downtime during migration.
We’ve seen districts benefit from a phased deployment strategy coupled with comprehensive testing plans during similar upgrades. Is that something your team is exploring?"
4. Digital Learning Device Refresh
What Forest Hills Public Schools Is Doing
Forest Hills Public Schools is undertaking a significant device refresh program. This includes procuring 609 new laptops for staff, which are on a 5-year replacement cycle and due for refresh in Summer 2026. Additionally, the district is acquiring 340 new Chromebooks and 10 mobile carts to support new STEM elective courses across 10 school buildings.
Key Buyer Personas
- Director of Technology
- Scott Haid, Assistant Superintendent, Instruction
- Kim Van Antwerp, Director of Elementary Instructional Services
- Jon Gregory, Director of Secondary Instructional Services
- Tamasha James, Director of Student Success
Operational Challenges
- Coordinating the distribution and deployment of hundreds of new laptops to staff, including data migration and software installation.
- Integrating new Chromebooks into the existing Canvas Learning Management System and Google Workspace for Education environment.
- Managing device inventory, maintenance, and end-user support for both staff and student devices post-deployment.
Relevant Company Categories for Forest Hills Public Schools
- Chromebook and Laptop Suppliers
- Device Management Software
- IT Asset Management Solutions
- White Glove Deployment Services
- Technical Support and Help Desk Services
Relevant Companies
CDW-G — Technology procurement, configuration, and deployment services for education.
Relevant for: Supplying and deploying large quantities of laptops and Chromebooks.
Jamf — Unified endpoint management for Apple devices.
Relevant for: (If Apple devices are also used or considered) Streamlined management of school-owned devices.
GoGuardian — Classroom management, web filtering, and device security for Chromebooks.
Relevant for: Enhancing instructional control and student safety on new Chromebook deployments.
Sample Outbound Angle
"Noticed Forest Hills Public Schools is rolling out new laptops for staff and Chromebooks for STEM electives.
Managing a large-scale device refresh often creates logistical hurdles around image deployment, asset management, and ensuring seamless integration with existing district applications.
Many schools are now partnering with vendors that provide comprehensive white-glove deployment and ongoing support to minimize internal IT burden. Is that a consideration for you?"
Final Take
Forest Hills Public Schools is actively engaged in a period of significant operational upgrades across its facilities and technology infrastructure. The district is investing substantially in new athletic complexes and comprehensive elementary school renovations, alongside critical enhancements to its network security and end-user computing environments. This creates clear operational pressure points around project coordination, system integration, and effective device management.
Vendors offering specialized construction services, advanced network security solutions, and integrated instructional technology platforms are well-positioned to support Forest Hills Public Schools. The ongoing modernization efforts represent active buying signals for solutions that can address complex project management, maintain operational continuity, and enhance the learning and working environment for students and staff.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What technology initiatives are currently active at Forest Hills Public Schools? Forest Hills Public Schools is replacing its enterprise firewalls, upgrading structured cabling, and refreshing staff laptops and Chromebooks for STEM electives.
What major construction projects are underway at Forest Hills Public Schools? The district is building a new aquatic center, upgrading high school athletic fields with turf, and performing extensive renovations at Meadow Brook and Ada Elementary Schools.
How can vendors sell into Forest Hills Public Schools' facility modernization projects? Vendors can focus on construction project management, specialized sports surfacing, and phased renovation strategies that minimize disruption to school operations.
Who are the key decision-makers for technology purchases at Forest Hills Public Schools? The Director of Technology, Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations, and Assistant Superintendent of Instruction are key stakeholders for technology-related procurement.
Does Forest Hills Public Schools have an active device refresh program? Yes, the district is refreshing staff laptops and procuring new Chromebooks for STEM elective courses, with deployment scheduled for Summer 2026.