This notice was sent to Sault Ste. Marie members residing in the neighborhood surrounding the former Washington Elementary School.
Dear Neighbor,
Cloverland Electric Cooperative is pleased to share a preliminary concept for a new training and technology center that would be located within the former Washington Elementary School, 1200 Ryan Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, in your neighborhood. The cooperative will be seeking appropriate permitting for administrative and training purposes only, ensuring the facility is used in a manner consistent with its educational intent.
This facility will support hands-on training, safety education, and workforce development—ensuring our team and future workforce are well prepared to provide safe, reliable service across the Eastern Upper Peninsula. The building’s existing layout makes it a natural fit for this purpose, allowing us to thoughtfully repurpose a familiar community space. The cooperative has received 12 letters of support from a wide range of organizations, including ATC, Peninsula Fiber Network, Power Line Supply, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Utility Supply & Construction, Highline, Lake Superior State University, Sault Area Schools, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, plus local lawmakers, State Representative Dave Prestin and Senator John DaMoose. Cloverland is also actively pursuing financial support for this project in coordination with our state legislators to help bring this vision to life.
We understand that any change in use of a neighborhood building can raise questions. We want to reassure you that the level of activity and traffic associated with the training center is expected to be comparable to or less than what the neighborhood experienced when the building operated as an elementary school.
As a member-owned cooperative, we are committed to transparency and open communication. We invite you to attend a public awareness informational session to learn more and share your thoughts:
Monday, April 27, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
Washington Elementary School, 1200 Ryan Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie
During this session, we will provide additional details about the project and answer any questions you may have. If you are unable to attend, you are more than welcome to reach out to us at memberserv@cloverland.com.
About Cloverland’s Training & Technology Center
- Planned as a regional hub for hands-on workforce training in high-demand fields
- Focus areas include:
- Electrical linework, substation technicians, and electrician training
- Renewable energy systems, including hydroelectric, solar, wind, battery storage, landfill gas, and combined heat and power
- Electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure installation and maintenance
- Broadband installation and maintenance
- Designed to help close the skills gap and strengthen workforce readiness across the Eastern Upper Peninsula
- Will offer real-world training, apprenticeship opportunities, and industry-recognized certifications
- Supported by a broad coalition of partners, including Lake Superior State University, Sault Area Schools, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, industry partners, and state lawmakers
- Aligns with Cloverland’s commitment to safety, reliability, and long-term community investment
This project reflects a forward-looking investment in our region—supporting local career pathways, strengthening infrastructure, and helping ensure a skilled, homegrown workforce for years to come.
We appreciate the opportunity to be part of your neighborhood and look forward to connecting with you on April 27.
Sincerely,
Mike Heise
President & CEO
Cloverland Electric Cooperative