A lot of eyes in the community have been watching the construction of Woodview Commons, the new mixed-use development that’s heavy on the residential side being built at Jackson and Baker roads. One set of eyes is Dexter Community Schools.

Located in Dexter school district boundaries, the development is expected to bring an influx of new residents into the district, and in turn, new students into the school buildings.

DCS Superintendent Chris Timmis told the Sun Times News the housing development “should result in more students.”

The development, set up on 90 acres, will reportedly have 456 residential units. When it’s all said and done, it’s expected to have 100 townhomes, 90 ranch homes, 133 one-bedroom apartments and 133 two-bedroom apartments. It’s opening up to residents this summer.

“We’re anticipating students enrolling throughout next school year and are planning accordingly,” Timmis said.

DCS boundaries encompass the city of Dexter and portions of eight townships including Webster, Scio, Dexter, Northfield, Hamburg and Lima.  Currently, DCS’s total enrollment is just over 3,400 students.

Of Woodview, Timmis said, “We don’t have any housing options like this in the district to use as a reference for potential student impact, but are anticipating there being an increase in students.”

Along with Woodview Commons, there are other residential developments planned within the district with some in the early stages of construction, including Hillside Acres. This residential development is going in at N. Territorial and Dexter Town Hall roads. It will see the construction of 48 single family homes.