Midland board calls May 6 bond election for $285 million facilities package

The Midland Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously Jan. 21 to call a special election on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, on a ballot proposition to borrow up to $285,000,000 for school buildings, site work, buses and instructional technology.

The board approved a resolution that includes the ballot language to be published and sent to the election coordinator and authorized the secretary to file required notices. Treasurer Jonathan Lauterbach read the ballot wording into the record during the meeting.

The board packet and the motion state that the bonds would be issued to finance erecting, furnishing and equipping new buildings and additions, remodeling (including security improvements), purchasing buses, acquiring instructional technology, and improving playgrounds, athletic fields, driveways, parking areas and sites. The resolution estimates an initial 2025 levy of 3.9 mills (about $3.90 per $1,000 of taxable value) and an estimated simple average annual millage of about 3.81 mills over the life of the bonds. The district noted it still has $64,700,000 of qualified bonds outstanding; trustees said that outstanding debt causes the levy to “ramp down” over time and that the net increase to taxpayers would be approximately 3.25 mills in the early years.

Why it matters: Board members and administrators framed the bond as tied to student outcomes and building conditions. During discussion, trustees and staff said improved facilities support goals such as smaller class sizes and expanded preschool access, both of which the board linked to long-term gains in reading and other achievement measures.

Board discussion and follow-up: Member John Lauderbach asked that Exhibits A and B (the full ballot language and the summary) be read aloud for transparency; the board did so before moving the resolution. Trustees also said the district will publish more detailed information, engineering analyses (including a review of whether to renovate or replace Northeast Middle School), and an FAQ on the district website as part of an information campaign ahead of the election.

Vote: The motion to call the election and approve the resolution passed on a roll-call vote: President Phil Rausch — yes; Vice President Scott McFarland — yes; Treasurer Jonathan Lauterbach — yes; Secretary Jennifer Ringgold — yes; Member Brad Blasey — yes; Member Mackie Craig — yes; Member Anne Horowitz — yes.

Next steps: The secretary was directed to file the resolution with the election coordinator and any clerks by Feb. 11, 2025. Administration said it will launch a more comprehensive public information effort, publish technical analyses on the facilities options, and continue outreach to community partners.

Ending: Board members urged residents to contact district staff with questions and reiterated that detailed project information and FAQs will be posted on the district website ahead of the May 6 vote.