Forest Hills School District is poised to enhance its educational infrastructure and operational funding through two significant proposals set for the November ballot. The Board of Education discussed these initiatives during their recent meeting on September 18, 2023, emphasizing their potential impact on the community.

The first proposal seeks to increase the operating millage by half a mill, which would restore previous rollbacks and generate approximately $395,000 in revenue for the district's day-to-day operations. Currently, Forest Hills is levying 17.6614 mills, slightly below the state-assumed 18 mills due to property value growth exceeding inflation. This increase is crucial as the current authorization for the operating millage expires with the 2025 tax levy.

The second proposal involves a substantial $340 million bond aimed at funding various projects through 2031, with no expected increase in the current tax rate. The bond will finance the construction and renovation of school buildings, upgrades to athletic facilities, and improvements in technology and security. Notably, the bond cannot be used for operational expenses such as staff wages or instructional supplies.

The district's approach to determining the projects included extensive stakeholder input, facility assessments, and collaboration with construction managers and architects. Proposed projects range from updating learning environments and playgrounds to enhancing athletic facilities across all schools. For instance, Central High School is slated for $41.2 million in updates, including improvements to its outdoor athletic facilities, while a new aquatic center is proposed at an estimated cost of $51.6 million to better serve the community's swimming needs.

As the district prepares for the upcoming ballot, these proposals reflect a commitment to improving educational facilities and ensuring sustainable funding for operational needs, ultimately benefiting students and the broader Forest Hills community.