Fruitport board votes 4-0 to place $78.5 million bond on Nov. 4 ballot

The Fruitport Community Schools Board of Education voted 4-0 on July 10 to call a special bond election on Nov. 4, 2025, approving a revised $78.5 million proposal and authorizing district officials to file the required certification with Muskegon and Ottawa County election coordinators before 4:00 p.m. on Aug. 12, 2025.

The measure — presented to the Board with cost estimates from construction manager Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. and legal materials from Thrun Law Firm — would fund construction of a new Edgewood Elementary School, remodel the current Edgewood into an early childhood center and finance improvements at Beach Elementary, Shettler Elementary and Fruitport Middle School. Board members described upgrades across buildings that include HVAC, roofing, windows and doors, casework, flooring, student furniture, technology, playgrounds and fire alarm systems.

Board President Dave Hazekamp and board members scrutinized the financing plan, which the district outlined as a 30-year bond structured to produce no increase to the current debt millage rate. The issuance would be split into three series: Series I (2026) $12.5 million; Series II (2028) $50.0 million; Series III (2030) $16.0 million. The Board reviewed proposed ballot language, a certification form and a bond-election calendar prepared by Thrun Law Firm.

Kris Cole moved to approve the resolution (Item 25-107), and JB Meeuwenberg seconded. The roll call vote recorded Ayes from Kris Cole, Dave Hazekamp, JB Meeuwenberg and Kathy Six; Nays — none; three members were absent. The motion carried, authorizing the Secretary of the Board of Education and the Superintendent to file the resolution and certification of the ballot proposition with election coordinators in Muskegon and Ottawa counties by the Aug. 12 filing deadline.

During the public-comment portion of the meeting, resident Bob Lemieux told the Board he was concerned about placing another district proposal on the ballot given the current economic climate and the effect on homeowners’ property-tax bills. Another resident, David Wells, asked whether the district could self-finance projects from the existing tax base instead of borrowing additional funds; the transcript records the question but no direct staff response is recorded in the meeting minutes.

The Board approved the meeting agenda at the start of the session (Item 25-106) and later approved a motion to adjourn (Item 25-108); both motions carried 4-0 with three members absent. The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.

Next steps for the bond process include completing and delivering the certification to county election officials by 4:00 p.m. on Aug. 12, 2025, and placement of the proposition on the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot for voter approval.