Zink School is one of the many forgotten schools of Beecher, Michigan. Not very much is known about this particular school. Today only few Beecher citizens known about the history regarding Zink School. This news article explains the history of Zink School.
Zink School was built in 1967 as an elementary school to serve the west side of Beecher, Michigan. Zink School also went under the name Zink Elementary School and was operated by Beecher Community School District from 1967 to 1988.
The percentage of black students rose from 42% percent to 55% percent between 1969 and 1971. A majority of the student population was black in the 1970s.
The Beecher Community School District is not a wealthy district, yet the tax payers support the schools. During the year 1971, the average income for Beecher, Michigan was $8,200 per year and the average cost of homes between $13,000 and $17,000 with very few in the $25,000 - $35,000 range. 30%percent of the Beecher children were from families with incomes of under $6,000 per year. The mileage rate paid by the citizens of Beecher during the 1971 year was 30.5 miles which was among the top 17% percent for districts throughout the state of Michigan.
(Ref: A STUDY OF THE DOLAN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL WORK EXPERIENCE PROJECT, BEECHER COMMUNITY SCHOOLS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN, Joseph Lawrence Hooper, 1977)
In 1977 during the 1977-1978 school year, 6th graders from Zink School were transferred to Dolan Junior High School on the north side of Beecher. This was part of the Beecher Community School District plans for meeting the increased enrollment to make use of all available classroom space in the elementary schools, junior high schools, middle schools, and Beecher High School.
Zink School closed in 1987 due to low enrollment, high tax rates, and stringent curriculum requirements in Michigan public schools. Zink School was demolished in 1988. Its soccer field was plowed over with sod and new grass.
The only remains left of Zink School is the soccer field and parking lot which had been deteriorating since 1998. Residents use the former school grounds as a park and for sports activities.
Zink School was located on Nasser Street, Beecher, Michigan, US 48505.
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