Why Another Bond Now?
The bond planning committee in 2009 decided that the millage rate requested must be capped at 1.5 mills to reflect the economic reality of that time. This limited the bond to a maximum of $22 million when the list of needs was estimated to be a few million dollars more.
— We had to prioritize.
The committee decided the life of the existing furnishings could be extended, so they did the prudent thing—fixed the roof and parking lots and left furnishings out of that bond request.
— We’ve met the budget.
Positive Effect of Stimulus Funding
The 2009 bond asked voters to approve the nuts and bolts improvements required to bring Bridgman’s facilities up to current standards. The District requested $22 million that would be generated by a 1.5 mill tax increase, and ended up levying only 1.3 mills due to federal stimulus funding programs.
Bridgman was the first district in Michigan to qualify for low-interest Qualified School Construction Bonds (QSCB) (or “Stimulus”) financing, which saved taxpayers $15 million in interest payments.
Stretching your tax dollars
Good planning and great construction pricing allowed work to go beyond the bond’s planned scope. The district was able to stretch our investment to make these improvements:
- Additional computer labs at the Middle School and High School
- Science Labs at the High School and Middle School
- Updated kitchens at all buildings
Our roofs and parking lots are repaired, now it’s time to give our students proper educational tools.
Thirty years ago, schools didn’t have computer labs or laptops, interactive white boards, digital projectors, or sound enhancement.
In November 2011, we have an opportunity to provide students with modern equipment that supports the new educational environments the community made possible.
Investing in Suitable Furnishings
For a net zero increase in millage rates, we will equip our newly remodeled spaces with the equipment and furnishings to support a technology-intensive 21st century education. This investment will serve us well into the future.
A net zero increase in millage rates will extend this investment and maximize the value of the spaces we’ve remodeled. Approval of Proposal 1 will raise $1.77 million.
Continuing OUR responsibility
As with the first bond, we will be fiscally-responsible stewards and look for opportunities to stretch our investment.