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…
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increase student safety
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reduce energy costs
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enhance classroom technology
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 additional questions, please call Superintendent Michele Burley at 786-5411.
Q&A about Escanaba’s February 23rd Bond Proposal
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 was 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.
Was this bond proposal necessary?
Yes. There are at least
three reasons:
- 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.
- 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.
- Instructional technology is outdated and needs to be upgraded across the school district.
When will work begin?
Immediately. Renovations will
begin with the most pressing needs at the high school. All work will be
completed with 2 ½ years.
Facts about Escanaba’s February 23 Bond Proposal
Here’s what will happen now that the $21.6 million bond proposal has passed:
Escanaba High School
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To reduce energy costs $50-$75,000 per year… roof, insulation, and window replacement; lighting and temperature controls
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Replace plumbing and electrical infrastructure and equipment (saving more than $1 million over the next 20 years)
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Upgrade technology infrastructure/equipment
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Renovate science labs
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Add two new classrooms
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Upgrade auditorium, including lighting, sound system, and seating
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Add multi-purpose space next to the cafeteria (for closed campus lunch, extra-curricular activities, and a practice gym)
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Build new front entry and gym/auditorium lobby (for safety and security reasons)
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Improve driveways, walkways and parking
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Provide increased storage for band instruments and other purposes
Expenditures at Escanaba High School will be $17.4 million.
Lemmer Elementary School
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To reduce energy costs… roof, insulation, window, lighting and temperature control replacement; new electrical infrastructure and equipment
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Upgrade instructional technology
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For safety reasons, add a new front entry, bus drop off areas, parking, and fencing
Expenditures at Lemmer Elementary School will be $2.7 million.
Soo Hill and Webster Elementary Schools
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To reduce energy costs… roof, insulation, window, lighting and temperature control replacement; new electrical infrastructure and equipment
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Upgrade instructional technology
Expenditures at Soo Hill and Webster will total $556,666.
Bus Garage
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To improve energy efficiency, replace walls that are rusting and rotting with insulated walls
Expenditures at the Bus Garage will be $91,166.
