Sault Area Public Schools are asking residents to approve a bond measure. In light of recent failed proposals at Michigan schools, and the past failure of their own bonds, the district says this bond won't raise taxes.
In May, voters across Michigan rejected school bond proposals. About half of the proposals put on the May ballot failed, including in places like Midland, St. Johns and Alma.
Voters cited increased cost of living as a key reason many of those proposals failed.
Sault Area Public Schools says the new bond won't increase the current millage.
Amy Kronemeyer is the district superintendent. She says they've learned from two failed millages over the last two years.
“The number one concern of taxpayers right now is just increased taxes and the cost of living and so we were very mindful of that,” she said. "It would be a new bond proposal maintaining that same millage rate as the taxpayers are just paid on their winter tax bill for 24-25."
The district says the millage is currently 1.65 mills or $1.65 per $1000 of taxable income. The millage would update aging facilities, pay for safety systems and technology upgrades and renovate an elementary playground.
They say those renovations will still need to be done if the bond fails. However, they will be done at a slower rate, and at potentially dry up funding for some other school programming.
“After school programs, summer programs, student trips, dual enrollment, early college, we have a lot of clubs for career and technical education, athletics. It would be across the board,” Kronemeyer said.
Voters will decide on the proposal August 5.
