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Midland board approves preliminary $285 million bond application to seek May 2025 election
Summary
The Midland Public Schools board voted to file a preliminary qualification application with the Michigan Department of Treasury for a $285,000,000 bond package focused on safety, pre-K expansion, building replacements (including a new elementary and a new middle school to replace Northeast), and systemwide infrastructure improvements.
The Midland Public Schools Board of Education voted to approve filing a preliminary qualification application with the Michigan Department of Treasury for a $285,000,000 bond package intended for the May 2025 election. Superintendent Penny Miller Nelson told the board the proposal bundles projects to enhance safety and security, expand prekindergarten opportunities, improve educational spaces across school sites, and address aging facilities and infrastructure.
"It includes $285,000,000 in projects that address our areas of need," Penny Miller Nelson said when presenting the bond application. She highlighted two key projects: construction of a new elementary school and a new middle school to replace Northeast, along with CTE renovations, arts and athletics upgrades, playground improvements, mechanical and electrical work, bus replacement, technology and furniture.
Board President Rausch said the package responds to district data and aims to improve outcomes such as third-grade reading by reducing space constraints and expanding preschool access. Finance staff and outside advisors explained that the bond application is a planning guide and that the ballot language voters see is binding. Anna (finance) summarized how the proposed 3.25-mill increase fits with existing debt service to yield a total rate discussed in presentations.
The board moved to approve filing the preliminary qualification application. The motion was made by Lauterbach and supported by Hatfield. The board recorded a roll-call vote in which President Rausch, Vice President McFarland, Secretary Hatfield, Treasurer Lauterbach, Member Blasey, Member Ringgold and Member Horowitz were recorded in the affirmative. Secretary Hatfield will sign the application for filing with the Department of Treasury and staff said the Treasury would return approval by the week before the January board meeting; if the board chooses to call for election, that action will come as a formal resolution at a subsequent meeting.
Public commenters during the meeting reacted to the bond proposal and related communications. Joe Banadis urged clearer public disclosure about tax impacts and updated FAQs; he presented calculations he said showed higher total millage burdens and pressed the board for a plan on the previously discussed pool. Another commenter, Bill Domino, asked the board to publish itemized cost comparisons showing what it would cost to repair specific deficits (roof, HVAC, asbestos removal, pool restoration) versus replacing buildings deemed at the end of their useful life, and suggested engaging external experts for impartial analysis.
What happens next: with the board's approval staff will file the application with the Michigan Department of Treasury and prepare ballot and outreach materials. The board indicated it will post detailed materials online, run community information sessions during the informational campaign and return in January with a formal resolution should it choose to call for the election.
