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…
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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 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:
- 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.
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.
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
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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.
