Lansing School District survey reveals lukewarm support for bond issue projects

The Lansing USD 469 Board of Education convened on January 13, 2025, to discuss the results of a recent survey regarding a potential bond issue and the district's infrastructure needs. The meeting, led by Rick Nobles from Excellence K-12, focused on the community's perceptions of the district and the feasibility of proposed projects.

Nobles reported on a random digit dial survey conducted in December, which included responses from 300 patrons. The survey revealed generally positive feedback about the district, with grades for quality of education averaging around 4.1 to 4.5 on a scale of 5. However, the lowest score was for the district's communication with citizens, which received a grade of 3.68. Nobles noted that while the community values the education provided, there are significant concerns regarding communication and engagement.

The survey also assessed support for various project ideas, including renovations for career and technical education and the conversion of an elementary building into an alternative school. Support for these projects varied, with the highest approval at 72% for the renovation and only 43% for building a greenhouse. The survey indicated a lack of enthusiasm for many proposed projects, which may impact tax tolerance for a potential bond issue.

Discussion among board members highlighted the community's current financial strain, with many residents feeling "taxed out" due to recent property tax increases. This sentiment was echoed by board members who expressed concern that the proposed projects did not resonate with the public, suggesting that a more effective communication strategy is needed to clarify the necessity and costs associated with the proposed bond.

Several board members recommended postponing any bond initiatives until a more comprehensive educational campaign could be developed. They emphasized the importance of engaging the community to gather input on project priorities and to ensure transparency regarding the financial implications of the bond.

The board agreed to consider a work session with the design team to explore alternative project ideas and to develop a clearer plan moving forward. They acknowledged the need for immediate attention to critical maintenance issues, such as roof repairs and boiler replacements, while also planning for a potential bond issue in the future.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the importance of community engagement and effective communication in addressing the district's infrastructure needs. The board plans to revisit the bond issue after further consultation with the community and a reevaluation of project priorities.