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District outlines $230 million bond proposal; board says tax rate would not increase
Summary
Administrators presented details of a November bond proposal that would not raise the district's current 7-mill bond rate and would fund air conditioning, building renovations and program upgrades across 14 schools.
District administrators reviewed a proposed $230 million bond the board placed on the Nov. 4 ballot, reaffirming that the proposal would keep the district's debt millage rate at the current seven mills and support facility, technology and bus needs across 14 school sites.
Superintendent and staff outlined two pillars for the proposal: "Building for the future," which focuses on safety, mechanical systems, air conditioning at elementary buildings, gym/cafeteria spaces and playgrounds; and "Advancing excellence," which funds performing-arts center renovations, a covered turf facility (Grama center), career-technical classrooms and educational-technology upgrades.
The administration said the bond language approved Aug. 11 calls for a 0-mill increase in the debt rate; if approved by voters the tax rate would remain at seven mills for school construction, technology and buses. The district said 1 mill equals $1 per $1,000 of taxable value and provided example calculations showing how taxable value changes affect individual tax bills.
Administrators said the bond would be issued in three series: roughly $40 million in 2026, $110 million in 2028 and $80 million in 2032. The smaller 2026 series, officials said, allows overlap with projects remaining from the 2019 bond and creates opportunities for efficient scheduling. The district said absentee ballots will be available around Sept. 25 and the Nov. 4 election polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Board members asked residents' questions and staff reported generally positive responses during community outreach; the most common inquiries concerned how school funding works and why districts return to voters periodically for construction funding. Staff explained the district's sinking fund is currently 0.9 mills (statutory maximum of 3 mills) and that sinking-fund revenue alone could not cover the proposed air-conditioning work in a useful timeframe.
Administrators emphasized that, under Michigan law (Proposal A, 1993), general fund revenue and local operational millages are distinct from voter-approved capital tax asks; the latter are the vehicle available to raise funds for construction, technology and buses.
Ending: The district will continue a public information campaign through election day. Materials and absentee-ballot information will be made available on the district website and at community events.
