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MAPS board approves resolution to put nearly $60 million bond on May 5 ballot
Summary
The Marquette Area Public Schools Board voted 7-0 to place a $59,995,000 bond proposal on the May 5, 2026 special election ballot. The measure would fund multiple building and site projects and is paired with community outreach including surveys and listening sessions.
The Marquette Area Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously Jan. 12 to adopt a resolution calling a special election on May 5, 2026 to ask voters to approve up to $59,995,000 in general obligation bonds for building and site improvements.
Superintendent Zack Sedgwick said the district’s Preliminary Qualification Application was approved by the Michigan Department of Treasury and that the board would file a formal resolution naming the election date. Sedgwick told the board the measure follows “community input via the survey, listening sessions, and interviews” and described the proposal as phased borrowing amortized over 28 years. He said the proposal includes a “1.55 mill increase over our current levy of 1.31 mills,” and that, according to the district’s materials, the total millage would still be lower than regional and state averages.
The bond package would fund work across district facilities, including substantial second-floor renovations at Bothwell Middle School, classroom and natatorium work at Marquette Senior High School, improvements to several elementary buildings, bus-garage upgrades, site and playground work, and investment in instructional technology. Board Secretary/Treasurer Jason Zdunek, who spoke before the vote, said the district’s survey showed majority support for the proposal but cautioned it was not a “significant landslide.” He urged continued outreach: “I don’t take looking at a bond proposal lightly and understand that costs are significant for everyone,” Zdunek said.
Board members emphasized outreach and encouraged residents to visit schools, ask questions and attend listening sessions before the May election. Board President Kristen Cambensy and multiple board members said the proposal was developed carefully and was intended to keep the district’s facilities competitive regionally.
Next steps include finalizing ballot language, filing the resolution with the election clerk by the board’s legal deadline, and continuing public information sessions through the spring.
