Online Tax Calculator

Wondering how much the bond proposal is going to cost you? Now you can find out exactly how much with our easy-to-use online tax calculator.

Video: EHS Storm Drains

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Check out a short video showing the current condition of the EHS storm drains.  These drains are one of the many areas targeted for improvement in the bond proposal.

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Two informative articles concerning the successful bond election can be found here and here.   In addition, Superintendent Burley's recent blog post thanks the citizens of Escanaba for their support. 

2010 Bond Proposal Information

The February 23rd school bond proposal addressed Goal 3 of the District’s strategic plan: Provide facilities that are safe, conductive to student learning, and offer opportunities for all. The proposal is designed to…

The cost for a family living in a house with a market value of $100,000 will be 63 cents per week (or $33 per year). Many will pay less and senior citizens may pay nothing.

The Q&A below will provide background information. The facts that follow the questions and answers indicate the specific improvements that will be made.

If you have questions, please call Superintendent Michele Burley at 786-5411.

Q&A about Escanaba’s February 23rd Bond Proposal

How will the ballot read?
Bonding Proposal: Shall Escanaba Area Public Schools, Delta and Marquette Counties, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Twenty-One Million Six Hundred Seventy Thousand Dollars ($21,670,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefore, for the purpose of: erecting, furnishing and equipping additions to and partially remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing, equipping and re-equipping school facilities; acquiring, installing and equipping educational technology for school facilities; and developing and improving sites?

How much millage will be levied for this proposal?
The estimated millage that will be levied for the proposed bonds in 2010, under current law, is 1.99 mills ($1.99 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation). The maximum number of years the bonds may be outstanding, exclusive of any refunding is twenty (20) years. The estimated simple average annual millage anticipated to be required to retire this bond debt is 2.17 mills ($2.17 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation). If the school district borrows from the State to pay debt service on the bonds, the school district may be required to continue to levy mills beyond the term of the bond to repay the State. (Pursuant to State law, expenditure of bond proceeds must be audited, and the proceeds cannot be used for repair or maintenance costs, teacher, administrator, or employee salaries, or other operating expenses.

Why is this bond proposal on the ballot?
The Escanaba citizens involved in the school district’s strategic planning process recommended four goals. Goal 3 asks the school district to improve school facilities.

What will the happen if the bond proposal is approved by voters?
The Escanaba Area Public School District will make significant safety, energy, and technology improvements. (A complete list of improvements appears below.)

Is this bond proposal necessary?
Yes. There are at least three reasons:

  1. Our schools are not energy efficient. Making improvements that will decrease energy costs will allow the school district to redirect the savings to classroom instruction.
  2. With the exception of upgrades to accommodate the handicapped and a boiler replacement, Escanaba High School has not been renovated since it was built 50 years ago. Facility upgrades are long over-due. And, as grades seven and eight move to the Escanaba High School campus, renovations are needed to enhance the “School within a School” concept and improve student safety and security.
  3. Instructional technology is outdated and needs to be upgraded across the school district.

What will happen if the bond proposal is not approved?
The school district’s operating budget cannot bear the costs of the enhancements that will be provided by the bond proposal. While the district may be able to address emergencies such as leaking roofs, the money will have to come from the operating budget. If this happens, educational services and classroom instruction will have to be cut.

If the bond proposal is approved by voters, what will be the cost?
If the $21.6 million bond proposal is approved, the cost for a family living in a house with a market value of $100,000 will be 63 cents per week (or $33 per year). Many will pay less… and senior citizens may pay nothing. You can use our Online Tax Calculator to find your exact cost.

Are there tax breaks for senior citizens?
Residents who are age 65 and older may qualify for Michigan’s “Homestead Exemption.” Those who do qualify may pay no additional taxes if the bond proposal is approved. You can find out if you qualify by using our Online Tax Calculator or by calling the Superintendent’s Office at 786-5411.

When will work begin if the bond proposal is approved by voters?
Immediately. Renovations will begin with the most pressing needs at the high school. All work will be completed with 2 ½ years.

Who can vote in this election?
All registered voters residing in the Escanaba Area Public School District can vote in this election. The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming election is January 25, 2010.  For more information about voter registration visit the Michigan Voter Information Center, a part of the Michigan Secretary of State's website.  Planning to be out of town during the election? Consider voting via absentee ballot.

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Facts about Escanaba’s February 23 Bond Proposal

Here’s what will happen if the $21.6 million bond proposal is passed:

Escanaba High School

Expenditures at Escanaba High School will be $17.4 million.

 

Lemmer Elementary School

Expenditures at Lemmer Elementary School will be $2.7 million.

 

Soo Hill and Webster Elementary Schools

Expenditures at Soo Hill and Webster will total $556,666.

 

Bus Garage

Expenditures at the Bus Garage will be $91,166.

 

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