Officials at Muskegon Public Schools are celebrating after voters said “yes” to a pair of new bonds that will transform the district’s infrastructure. Muskegon voters, most by absentee ballot, approved a new $105 million, two-part bond proposal Tuesday, as the money will fund the construction of a new middle school, upgrade a number of athletic facilities, and pay for multiple improvements and repairs.
Matthew Cortez is the Superintendent of Muskegon Public Schools. He says the district is in desperate need of improvements; the newest building in the district is 60-years-old for example. In just his first year on the job as superintendent, Cortez says he has a message to those who voted ‘yes.’
"I just wanted to reach out and say, how extremely thankful we are," Cortez said. "Thank you from the bottom of my heart, I know our board of education is completely ecstatic about the result."
With over two-thirds voting 'yes,' -- coupled with a larger than average turnout for a May election in Muskegon--and the majority of residents casting their ballots via absentee, Cortez says, the support is encouraging.
"What a positive support system, and a positive vote for our schools," he said. "Especially in this time of the pandemic."
Meanwhile in Casnovia Township, residents filed a petition last year to remove Casnovia Township Clerk Jennie Powell and Trustee Daniel Winell. That proposal failed, as voters Tuesday rejected the idea, and the two retained their seats.
And in Norton Shores, voters decided to renew an existing millage for the next 10 years to pay for the city’s public safety.
