Zink School is one of the many forgotten schools of Flint, Michigan. Not very much is known about this particular school. Today only few Flint citizens known about the history regarding Zink School. This news article explains the history of Zink School.
This school was named after a man named Robert C Zink. The school was also known as Robert C Zink School and Robert C Zink Elementary School. Zink School went under a multitude of different names. The names are as follows: Zink Elementary School, Robert C Zink School, Robert Zink School, Zink Center, and Robert C Zink Elementary School.
Zink School was built in 1964 as an elementary school to serve the west side of Beecher neighborhood of Beecher, Michigan. After construction was completed, Zink School opened in 1965 during the 1965-1966 school year for students enrolled in Kindergarten through 6th grade. Zink School was operated by Beecher Community School District from 1965 to 1988. Zink School was a K-6 school which educated students in Kindergarden through 6th grade. This was the case throughout the late 60s. (Ref: https://books.google.com/books?id=Npdxs9Cfk5YC&pg=PA144&lpg=PA144)
Zink was an all-white school by default as the Beecher neighborhood area was 70% white/Caucasian. However over 50% of the student population was black after 1969. The percentage of black students rose from 42% percent to 55% percent between 1968 and 1971. A majority of the student population was black in the 1970s. (Ref: https://books.google.com/books?id=cJXICQAAQBAJ&pg=PA211&lpg=PA211)
Zink School was reportedly filled to capacity with 385 students enrolled in 1970. There was a number of disadvantaged students enrolled at Zink School. 28% percent of the students enrolled at and attending Zink School were labeled as economically deprived. (Ref: Facts Gathered From State Assessment Results, 1971-72, Beecher School District)
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. Reorganization of grade levels led to Zink School becoming a K-5 school. Zink School would serve as a K-5 school until closure. (Ref: https://d.lib.msu.edu/etd/6072/datastream/OBJ/view)
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.
Despite the building being built as a single-story rectangular building in on a concrete slab, there were structural issues, accessibility concerns, and safety concerns. Parents of students seldomly brought these issues to light at public hearings or district board meetings. They more or less dealt with these structural flaws.
The roof would somewhat cave in from collecting water after rain. This was because the roof was entirely flat this causing a handful of collected rain water to form puddles. Rain water from these puddles would leak into the classrooms disrupting lessons.Now this was a common occurrence at this school.
Accessibility issues also became a concern. Most of the doors on the outside did not have handles. This was an accessibility issue with students, faculty, and the public. Students reportedly cut their fingers while trying to enter school. Accessibility issues arose with the physically handicapped students and faculty.
Zink School was demolished sometime before 1995. The only remains left of Zink School are 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. Woods have grown the back facing south. Zink School is one of Beecher’s shortest running schools next to Downey School and Buick Junior High School.
Zink School was located on 5302 Nasser Street, Flint, Michigan, US 48505.
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