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Bloomfield Hills board narrows sinking-fund focus, schedules June 12 workshop amid budget uncertainty
Summary
Trustees discussed renewing the district sinking fund to pay for safety and security, transportation, infrastructure and technology; staff advised a June 12 workshop to review data and the board signaled a July decision window as state budget risks persist.
Bloomfield Hills Schools trustees agreed May 19 to move forward with detailed planning on renewing the district’s sinking fund and scheduled a public workshop for Thursday, June 12, to review cost estimates and ballot timing.
Superintendent West told the board the district’s sinking-fund conversation focuses on four allowable uses: safety and security, transportation, infrastructure and both technology equipment and infrastructure. "A sinking fund, again, is a pay-as-you-go strategy," West said as staff outlined a 10-year planning horizon. He cautioned that state revenue forecasts remain uncertain: "The state's budget runs through September 30, and we have a legal obligation to establish ours by June 30." That calendar, West warned, increases the risk that assumptions could change after July 1.
Finance committee members said the sinking fund would help preserve recent capital investments and relieve pressure on the general fund. Board members discussed whether to present a renewal question now or wait until the district completes strategic-planning work with Galapagos. "It would allow us to just focus on this question," West said of a possible earlier placement, adding that running in 2026 would mean competing in a gubernatorial and senate election year.
Trustees asked staff to include visuals and tighter cost breakdowns for the June 12 workshop so the board can better explain needs to voters. One trustee suggested including photos of facilities—roofs, boilers and other prioritized capital needs—to make the ask clearer to the community.
Staff also reviewed related budget topics: enrollment projections used a cohort-based methodology that has been reliable in recent years, and district leaders noted a small net increase of roughly 25 full-time-equivalent students since the prior projection. The board directed staff to prepare a concise package of proposed expenditure buckets, millage-duration options (the state allows up to 10 years for sinking funds), and potential ballot timing so trustees can deliberate in July.
Next steps: staff will refine cost estimates and compile the June 12 workshop materials; the board expects to consider a formal recommendation in July, with ballot deadlines if the board chooses a November 2025 or a 2026 date.
