Board approves preliminary qualification application for $59.99M facilities bond; district estimates 1.55‑mill increase

The Marquette Area Public Schools Board on Dec. 8 voted 7‑0 to approve a Certificate and Application for Preliminary Qualification of Bonds that would allow the district to pursue voter approval of a $59.99 million facilities bond. Superintendent Zack Sedgwick told the Board the proposal was developed from community survey results and focuses on safety, infrastructure and program investments.

Sedgwick described the state review process: the district met with the Michigan Department of Treasury to review the application, and if preliminary qualification is granted the Board will consider a resolution at its Jan. 12, 2026 organizational meeting to call an election for the May 5, 2026 ballot. District financial summaries in the packet estimate the measure would result in a 1.55‑mill increase over the current levy; staff said that estimate remains below regional and state averages.

The application package included project descriptions for building‑level work (Bothwell Middle School second‑floor remodeling and other upgrades), upgrades at Marquette Senior High School (classroom and natatorium work), elementary school renovations and districtwide investments, including a planetarium renovation. The Board approved the preliminary application (mover Jennifer Ray; seconder Cassidy Thomas) on a unanimous 7‑0 vote and directed staff to continue work toward the January resolution should Treasury grant preliminary qualification.

Trustee Eric Smith and others emphasized public outreach and transparency as the district advances planning toward the ballot, and several trustees thanked staff for preparing detailed project sheets and cost estimates.