There was no school quite like Beekman when it opened its doors in 1968.
Nestled along the Lansing River Trail, the Beekman Center was ahead of its time—built with the sole purpose of serving students with significant physical, developmental, and medical needs. But today, that once-groundbreaking facility is showing its age.
In a special report from East Lansing Info, Ingham Intermediate School District Superintendent Jason Mellema guided readers through the hallways of Beekman, highlighting both its legacy and its limitations.
Beekman’s colorful walls still echo with care, creativity, and connection—but the facility itself is overdue for critical upgrades. Many doorways, restrooms, and learning spaces don’t meet current accessibility standards. Hallways open directly to the outdoors, creating hazards during snowy dismissals. The once-popular therapeutic pool sits unusable. And makeshift repairs are no longer enough.
That’s why Ingham ISD is proposing a nearly $100 million bond to replace the Beekman Center and renovate Heartwood School in Mason. These two buildings serve 240 students ages 3–26 from 12 districts across Ingham County—including East Lansing, Lansing, and surrounding communities.
This isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about giving students what they need to thrive—indoor mobility, adaptive kitchen tools, communication devices, safe transportation, and access to everyday life skills. It’s about building a space where dignity and opportunity are part of the blueprint.
Learn more about the proposal and what’s at stake this May at inghamisd.org/2026SpecialEducationBond
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