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Ingham ISD pitches $99.96 million special‑education facilities bond to Okemos board ahead of May 5 election
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Summary
Ingham ISD Superintendent Jason Melama told the Okemos Board the district is asking voters May 5 to approve a 0.55‑mill bond over 20 years, estimated to raise $99,960,000 for rebuilding the Beekman Center and renovating Hartwood to improve accessibility, safety and student supports; ISD estimates an average parcel would pay about $42 per year.
Jason Melama, superintendent of the Ingham Intermediate School District, told the Okemos Board of Education that the ISD is asking voters on May 5 to approve a special‑education facilities bond of 0.55 mills over 20 years that the ISD estimates would generate $99,960,000 dedicated to facilities.
Melama said the funds are restricted to facilities, audited by the state, and cannot be used for salaries or curriculum. He framed the proposal around three priorities: accessibility, engagement and safety for students with significant special needs. “These facilities were largely built before the Americans with Disabilities Act and before IDEA,” Melama said, noting the Beekman Center opened in 1968 and Hartwood in 1978 and that both lack modern accessibility and safety features.
Melama described the ISD’s plan as a rebuild of the Beekman Center and heavy renovations at Hartwood. As proposed, the ISD would purchase 20 of the site’s 50 acres from the Lansing School District to build a new facility just north of the current Beekman Center, move students into the new building, and then demolish the old structure. He said the project budget currently allocates roughly $65,000,000 of the total toward Beekman’s rebuild.
The superintendent stressed design features targeted to center‑based programs: wider doorways and secure vestibules, larger shared restroom spaces so staff can assist students with toileting and personal care needs, natural and indirect lighting to reduce sensory strain, and wall bumpers that help students who navigate in wheelchairs.
Melama gave an example of taxpayer impact: using an Ingham County average parcel (market value $153,000; taxable value $76,000), he estimated the bond would cost about $42 annually — roughly $3.50 per month. He also reminded the board that absentee ballots are available and that ISD materials and a special education banner are posted at ingamisd.org.
Trustees asked about construction timing, oversight and how students would be accommodated during work. Melama said, if approved, the ISD would design in 2026, begin construction in 2027, expect about 20 months for the Beekman build (targeting spring 2029 for completion), then start Hartwood renovations during the 2029–30 school year and aim to finish by the 2030–31 school year. He also said superintendents from the 12 traditional districts are already engaged in planning and that the ISD will provide public updates and project information online.
The board did not vote on the proposal at the meeting; Melama fielded questions and said the ISD would continue community outreach before the May 5 election.
