Voters Tuesday in Cedar Springs will decide on a bond proposal that, if passed, will generate millions of dollars and help renovate the public school district.
School officials are asking residents for a 30-year, $68 million bond proposal that the district says will give a much needed facelift to aging buildings, improve classroom safety and bring the buildings into the 21st century.
A yes vote in Tuesday’s election would extend the current debt levy of 7.00 mills for an additional 18 years through 2038.
The district tried and failed to pass a similar bond proposal back in November. After voters rejected the idea, district officials went back to the drawing board, this time bringing a proposal that doesn’t raise taxes for property owners.
Superintendent Scott Smith says though, that is contingent on property values not dropping…
“That is the most honest way to say it,” Smith said. “We don’t expect tax increase, because we have 20 years of data that shows steady increases in property values.”
One key addition to the schools would be energy efficient climate-control systems that would keep fresh air flowing throughout the schools--much needed Smith says, once kids return to in-person learning and are required to wear masks all day.
