Dearborn board hears bond research showing public openness but warns about cost, timelines and clarity

Consultants hired by the Dearborn Board of Education told trustees at a Jan. 5 study session that community research shows broad goodwill toward Dearborn schools but sharp caution about adding taxes, especially among younger residents.

"There is an openness to a bond proposal," said Mark Fisk of the consulting team, summarizing interviews, focus groups and a telephone/text poll of about 400 registered voters. Fisk said voters rated Dearborn schools positively but showed a pronounced financial squeeze that will shape what size and scope of bond the district can sell to voters.

The presentation combined a facilities assessment — categorizing buildings as critical, high, moderate or low priority — with public-opinion testing. Consultants said the polling showed an initial 61% yes advantage for a hypothetical millage with no specifics, rising into the low‑to‑mid 70s after positive messaging and dipping but remaining favorable under negative framing. When asked about funding levels, "71% picked the lowest funding option or refused higher options entirely," the presenters reported, and many respondents…