Tuesday, May 7, 2024 Bond Update
November 3rd, 2023
An Investment in the Future with a Zero-Mill Increase Bond!
Thank you for your feedback and support!
On Tuesday, May 7, 2024 residents that live within the Mattawan Consolidated School boundaries will have the opportunity to vote on a comprehensive School Bond. We trust that you share our enthusiasm for the future of Mattawan. This project presents a distinctive chance to invest in both our students and the broader community, all without imposing an additional millage increase burden on taxpayers.
Your unwavering commitment to our students and community is sincerely appreciated. Together, we have the power to create a lasting impact on the education and well-being of the upcoming generation.
As we approach Tuesday, May 7, 2024, our focus revolves around five key objectives for the bond:
- Preserve existing assets
- Prioritize safety and security
- Provide future-focused academic and extracurricular experiences for our students
- Enhance infrastructure
- Demonstrate fiscal responsibility
We encourage you to peruse the entirety of this zero-mill increase bond update as it contains detailed information following this introduction. The proposed projects in this bond encompass a broad spectrum of needs within the district. Here is a summary of the opportunities at hand:
Safety & Security:
- Addressing traffic congestion, lack of parking spaces, and separation of traffic and busing through enhancements
- Replacement of outdated, unreliable security equipment at each building
Transportation:
- Continued replacement of an aging bus fleet
Academic Learning Spaces + Experience:
- Replacement of original, aged classroom equipment and furniture at middle and high schools
- Updates to original, outdated science areas at middle and high schools (excluding the newly renovated portions) to ensure students have state of the art experiences.
Fine Arts:
- Upgrades to original seating, lighting, and media equipment at the high school auditorium
Infrastructure:
- Replacement of original, outdated lockers, bathrooms, various ceilings, and lighting at middle and high schools
- Renovations to high school weight room including expansion to address overcrowding and scheduling issues for student-athletes and physical education courses
- Upgrade of aged building controls at middle and high schools (water, fire, HVAC, etc.) to provide the most efficient and safe environmental controls
- Addition of cooling to main gymnasiums at middle and high school
Student Athletic Experience:
- Renovation of aged high school locker rooms
- Renovation of the high school stadium, including artificial turf, new entryways, expanded concessions
- New high school track - the current track is backwards and nearly unusable in the current condition
- Upgrades to worn baseball and softball fields
- Relocation and construction of a new soccer field
- Maintenance of existing practice fields; addition of a new outdoor practice space
New Construction:
- Addition of a new middle school cafeteria to address overcrowding in the current cafeteria
- Replacement of aged, quickly deteriorating tennis courts
- Replacement of aged transportation building and maintenance building
- Construction of a fieldhouse facility for indoor practice teams/band to address lack of 12-month practice space; available for community use
- Construction of a student/community pool
These opportunities for investment in the future of our students and community stem from valuable feedback from stakeholders, as well as facilities assessments.
With gratitude,
Your Board of Education & Superintendent
#gowildcats
Two Proposals on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 Ballot
Voters will see two proposals on the ballot on Tuesday, May 7, 2024:
Proposal 1: Safety, Academics + Athletics
will be for a $92,000,000 investment and will include a variety of enhancements: safety, technology, academic learning spaces, transportation, traffic flow, and parking, as well as athletic spaces.
Proposal 2: Student + Community Pool will be for an $18,000,000 investment in a student + community pool.
If approved, Proposal 1: Safety, Academics + Athletics would allow the district to sell bonds and generate approximately $92 million with a 0.00 mill increase over the current millage rate of 7.00 mills.
If approved, Proposal 2: Student + Community Pool Improvements would allow the district to sell bonds and generate approximately $18 million with a 0.00 mill increase over the current millage rate of 7.00 mills and the 0.00 mill increase proposed in Proposal 1. The current millage rate would stay the same.
If both Proposals 1 + 2 were approved, the district could sell bonds and generate approximately $110 million in funds with a total of 0.00 mill increase over the current millage rate of 7.00 mills.
Why Two Proposals?
Both are Equally Important
From the onset of the planning process, the District has been committed to fiscal responsibility by bringing bond proposals that do not increase the current millage rate of 7.0 for taxpayers. Presenting two distinct yet equally essential proposals allows the District to manage the phased release of bond sales during the construction project timelines. This strategic approach ensures that the mill rate remains unchanged and prevents any increase throughout the duration of the projects.
Proposal 1 addresses much-needed student experiences - academic spaces, infrastructure and environment improvements, and external campus enhancements. While Proposal 2 (Student + Community Pool) holds significant importance, its execution as a stand-alone initiative may pose challenges without the combined approval of Proposal 1. The proposals are interdependent, and their combined approval would create a more seamless and effective implementation of the envisioned improvements.
Both proposals are essential to address our District and Community needs while being fiscally responsible and preserving our existing assets for generations.
Carpool, student traffic, and bus traffic need to be separated.
What are the Investments?
Safety + Security
- Bus, Carpool Traffic Congestion + Separation: The proposed bond investment aims to address the pressing traffic challenges in front of our middle and high schools by implementing a comprehensive redesign. The plan includes separating bus and carpool traffic, eliminating the safety concerns associated with their current merging. This strategic separation not only enhances the safety of our students but also reduces wait times and alleviates general traffic congestion in the vicinity.
- Additional Event + Campus Parking: The redesign project will contribute to the community by expanding event parking. This multifaceted approach ensures a safer and more efficient transportation environment for both students and the community at large, making it a valuable and impactful investment for the betterment of our educational institutions and the surrounding community.
- Southern Campus Drive: An access road along the Southern edge of the property will be added, providing a designated route for bus traffic to move freely within the campus, connecting all buildings seamlessly. This thoughtful addition not only improves transportation logistics but also introduces additional traffic egress points for events and carpooling, enhancing overall campus accessibility and safety.
- Pedestrian Traffic: The proposed bond investment is set to significantly enhance pedestrian walkways, particularly those leading to and within the athletic complex around the current stadium. Recognizing the importance of safe and accessible pathways, the project aims to create well-designed walkways that cater to the needs of students, athletes, and event attendees. This comprehensive approach ensures a more efficient and pedestrian-friendly environment for everyone involved.
- Security Camera Replacement: As technology ages (often quickly), it becomes less reliable and inefficient. This investment will ensure we have the most up-to-date security pieces throughout our buildings.
- Aging Bus Fleet Replacement: The replacement cost for each bus ranges from approximately $120,000 to $140,000, contingent on specific features. This strategic investment is pivotal for the district, enabling the continuation of its essential replenishment schedule, which involves cycling out aging buses at a rate of 2 to 3 units annually. The maintenance of our expansive fleet, consisting of over 40 buses responsible for transporting approximately 1,800 students twice daily, is integral to achieving our safety objectives. By ensuring the reliability and efficiency of our bus fleet, we uphold a steadfast commitment to the well-being and security of our students.
Cramped middle school cafeteria with long service lines.
Middle and High School Student Environment + Student Experiences
- Middle School Cafeteria Remodel: This space is 45 years old and too small for current needs. A new cafeteria would be constructed, featuring new high-efficiency equipment for increased safety and fire prevention, with the current cafeteria space repurposed for a large space used by students, staff, and community.
- Middle School Infrastructure Upgrades: Infrastructures are original to the building, which was constructed in 1977. This includes enhancements such as building controls, chillers for air conditioning, fire alarms, and a hot water system. This also includes renovations to lockers, bathrooms, lighting and ceilings, fire alarm systems, and furniture and fixtures in the older areas of the building.
- High School Infrastructure Upgrades: All of these items are original to 1991. This would include replacing furniture and fixtures in the older areas of the building, renovations of bathrooms, athletic locker rooms, gymnasium bleachers, replacing building temperature controls, hot water systems, lighting (to LED), fire alarm systems, upgrading auditorium external masonry, and adding cooling/humidity control to the gymnasium.
- Middle and High Science Labs: These older spaces are original to the middle school (1977) and high school (1991). Old lab areas would be upgraded with new equipment, furniture, flooring, cabinets, sinks, science apparatus, etc. This will provide state-of-the-art experiences for our students. The newer lab areas are not included in this renovation.
- High School Weight Room: address space issues by enhancement/expansion or new construction of weight room. We currently have scheduling issues due to the inability to accommodate multiple teams. Many of the equipment pieces are old and need to be replaced. This facility offers training to nearly 700 student-athletes over the school year and is original to building construction.
Fine Arts + Student Technology Investments
- Fine Arts Enhancements: The auditorium is original to 1991. This project includes replacing auditorium seating, lighting, stage floor, and upgrades to technology (projector, lectern, microphones), which are outdated.
- Technology Enhancements: This project would replace outdated technology for students and staff. This includes upgrading hardware, devices, computer infrastructure, wireless connectivity, fiber optic networks, and classroom learning technology.
Student Athlete + Fine Arts Investment
- Stadium: The existing stadium has dutifully served its purpose, yet it now stands as a testament to age and wear, urgently requiring comprehensive renovations. Enhancing the current facility is imperative to provide essential playing and practice spaces for both athletes and the marching band. The proposed upgrades encompass the installation of artificial turf, and refurbishments to the stands, perimeter containment, track, entryways, and concessions area. Recent improvements to stadium lighting will be repurposed, ensuring a more modern and efficient illumination. These enhancements aim to breathe new life into the stadium, offering an optimal environment for both players and spectators alike.
- Track: The track conditions and positioning will also be addressed; the track is at end-of-life and positioned backwards for use.
- Entry, ticket booths, bathrooms, concessions: The current entryways suffer from overcrowding and insufficient capacity to accommodate the volume of spectators. A comprehensive reorganization and expansion plan is in place to address the issue. Additionally, the outdated and undersized concessions and bathroom facilities, ill-equipped to handle Class A spectator levels, are slated for a significant overhaul. The proposed improvements encompass updates to modernize these amenities and a strategic reorganization to enhance efficiency and ensure a seamless experience for all attendees.
Numerous cracks and depressions in the current track:
Field events areas unsafe
- Soccer Field: The current soccer field exhibits signs of wear and tear, with a worn-out surface and outdated, inefficient lighting that fails to provide optimal visibility during evening matches. The aging infrastructure not only compromises player safety but also diminishes the overall quality of the sporting experience. Recognizing the need for improvement, the current bond addresses these issues by allocating funds for a relocation and new construction project. The plan includes relocating and constructing a new playing space to ensure a smoother and safer playing surface. Additionally, state-of-the-art and energy-efficient lighting systems will be installed, and spectator seating, to enhance visibility and create a more vibrant and enjoyable environment for both players and spectators. This strategic investment not only addresses immediate concerns but also contributes to the long-term sustainability and growth of the campus sporting complex.
- Tennis Courts: The existing tennis courts are currently in the third year of a projected five-year temporary fix. This proposed project aims to transcend the limitations of the temporary solution by relocating and constructing new tennis courts. The envisioned facility will boast 12 state-of-the-art competition-level courts, providing an elevated standard for players and spectators alike. Furthermore, the design includes convenient access to modernized spectator facilities, including restrooms and concessions, easier access for community use, enhancing the overall experience for everyone involved.
- Practice Fields and Ball Diamonds: This initiative is geared towards optimizing our athletic fields to cater to the specific requirements of our teams and athletes, ensuring they are in peak playing condition. The comprehensive plan involves upgrading dugouts and addressing the revitalization needs of infields, outfields, and other practice fields. Additionally, the proposal incorporates several new practice spaces, with provisions for future expansion. Through these enhancements, the District aims to create an environment that meets current demands but also allows for continued growth and excellence in athletic performance.
Recent conditions of our tennis courts:
Construction of a New Field House
Possible fieldhouse design:
Student + Community Pool
Construction of a pool would provide a modern, safe swimming center for all who use it. Currently, our MS/HS swim teams do not have a place to call "home" and must travel for practices and competitions. The pool would allow our athletes to compete at a higher level with a swimming facility at the level of excellence as their peers. In addition to hosting our MS/HS swim and dive program, the new pool would provide opportunities for student swim lessons and PE classes. It would also provide an additional asset for our community with open swim times and opportunities for recreational and therapeutic use.
Proposed specs:
- Minimum of 8 lanes
- Diving well
- Community room
- Coaches room
- Locker rooms
- Concession stand
- Restrooms
- Separate, public entrance
Example of possible pool designs:
How Can I Vote?
Absentee Ballot and In-Person Options
Residents residing within the Mattawan Consolidated School boundary are encouraged to exercise their voting rights either through an absentee ballot (available from late March) or in person at their designated voting precinct on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
For detailed information on each voting method or to confirm your precinct location for in-person voting, please click on the links provided below.
What is a 'Mill' and what does 'Zero Mill Increase' Bond Opportunity Mean?
What is a mill?
May's School Bond Proposals are considered a zero-mill increase over the current tax rate opportunity for the residents who live within the Mattawan Consolidated School boundaries. Here is information on what 'zero-mill increase' means.
A "mill" represents a small fraction of the value used for calculating property taxes. The State Equialized value is roughly half (1/2) of the market value of a property. Each mill is about 1/1000 or 0.1% of the tax-assessed value.
For instance, if a home has a market value of $100,000, its state equalized value would be approximately $50,000. Consequently, the homeowner would pay around $50 in taxes each year.
You calculate it like this: $100,000 (market value) x 1/2 = $50,000 (state equalized value) x 0.001 (1/1000 or .001) = $50 (annual tax).
Simply put, for every $50,000 of state equalized home value, the homeowner pays approximately $50 in annual taxes.
A Zero-Mill Increase Bond means that there will be no change to the millage rates for residents of Mattawan Consolidated School with the proposed bond.
Why is this a Zero-Mill Increase Bond Opportunity?
Where does Mattawan Consolidated School Rank Millage Rates with area Districts?
At 7.00 mills, Mattawan Consolidated School ranks as one of the lowest millage rates in over ten area comparable schools. This millage rate will stay the same - 7.0 mills - under the current bond proposals.
See how we rank below.
Why maintain 7.00 mills?
It is a preferred strategy to continue to levy 7.00 mills annually, but why?
- It’s the minimum number of mills a district must levy to be able to participate in the SLRF.
- Participating in & borrowing from the SLRF allows districts to borrow periodically to meet debt payments without having to increase the millage levied each year to meet those payments. By maintaining the current millage rate, as local tax revenues in the future exceed the amount needed for the annual bond payments, the SLRF loans are repaid.
- Keeping a steady millage rate allows districts to continually fund critical capital projects & purchases without needing to substantially raise the millage rate at any point in time. It essentially just extends the final payoff date.
- Districts will always need to borrow for capital improvements because they are needed & the use of the General Fund is limited to no more than 20% of that fund’s revenue for such expenses. However, as a practical matter the General Fund has limited resources and is almost entirely dedicated to funding student instruction and district operations.
- Examples of capital improvements are major facility upgrades & expansion, technology & bus replacements and other infrastructure projects.
How are Schools Typically Funded?
Schools can receive revenue from four general sources:
- per pupil allowance from the state;
- voter approved sinking funds;
- voter approved improvement bonds; and,
- other state or federal grants.
The Per Pupil Foundation Grant for Mattawan Consolidated School is set at $9,608 this year. Complementing this, is the Operational Millage for non-homestead properties, which stands at 18 mills, contributing to the General Fund and Annual School Budget. A significant portion (80-85%) of the Foundation and Operational Funds is allocated to staff salaries and benefits. Notably, there's a cap on State Aid Funds to be used specifically for Capital Improvements. Generally speaking, this leaves very little for districts to engage in substantial enhancement of existing facilities and infrastructure or new construction.
Second, voter-approved sinking funds involve an annual collection of a smaller amount, primarily intended for minor renovations and improvements. These funds have versatile applications, encompassing areas such as security, technology, and buses, but are expressly prohibited from being used for furniture. It is important to note that Mattawan Consolidated School does not have a sinking fund approved by voters at this time.
Third, voter-approved bonds are typically utilized for major facility improvements. This expansive category covers new construction, renovations, technology upgrades, and the acquisition of furniture and buses. What sets these bonds apart is their capacity to provide a substantial amount of capital for significant improvements, making them a vital instrument in the enhancement of school infrastructure. Additionally, voter-approved bond funds cannot be used for general fund operations of the district.
Pre Bond Timeline
Here's a review of the pre-bond work timeline thus far:
- Winter/Spring 2023 - Multiple Community Forums: We have held several community forums to gather input and feedback from our residents, ensuring that their voices are heard in shaping the future of our schools. These forums have proved important feedback from our stakeholders.
- Summer 2023 - Feedback Surveys: Two survey opportunities were provided to gather valuable insights and perspectives from the broader community.
- Spring 2023 - Internal Focus Group Meetings: Last year, we conducted internal focus group meetings involving school staff to discuss their specific needs and ideas for improvements.
- On-Going - Steering Committee Meetings: Multiple steering committee meetings were held to assess the project's progress and refine our plans based on the collective vision of the community.
- Winter 2023 - Site Surveys and Facility Reviews: A thorough review of existing facilities and site surveys was conducted to identify areas in need of improvement. This work was provided in conjunction by TowerPinkster and AVB Construction.
Upcoming Key Dates
- March - Information Campaign
- April - Additional Community Forums, TBD
- Absentee Ballot Available around March 28, 2024
- Tuesday, May 7, 2024 - Ballot
Additional Information at your Fingertips
Supporting Docments
Click on the buttons below to review salient information