2018 Bond Proposals - FAQ
FAQ & Answers for 2018 Bond Proposals
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the two bond proposals on the November 6, 2018 ballot. Click on a question to read the answer. If you have a question not listed on this page, please call the Superintendent, Dr. Brian Metcalf, at 517-925-5401.
This page will continue to be updated as needed with more questions and answers. It was last updated October 18, 2018.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
General Bond FAQ
1. What is the total amount of each of the bond proposals?
2. What is the cost for a homeowner in Grand Ledge if the bond proposals pass?
3. How do our millage rates compare with other communities?
4. When would the bond proposals be paid off?
FAQ for Proposal One - School Improvements
5. When would the district's grade restructuring initiative begin?
6. What would be the first things purchased/provided by Proposal One - School Improvements bond?
7. When would the new Wacousta Elementary be ready?
8. Would the attendance zones change for the elementary schools?
9. Would Proposal One provide additional funding to support the bus system?
10. Has MDOT approved the proposed road between Saginaw and the HS?
FAQ for Proposal Two - Community, Athletics, & Fine Arts Improvements
11. What would the new pool and support spaces look like?
12. What would be happening on the "22 acres"?
Answers
1. What is the total amount of each of the bond proposals?
Answer: Proposal One would provide $118,640,000 for district-wide building and grounds improvements that would address identified and ongoing building issues and would support the district's grade restructuring initiative. Proposal Two would provide $29,485,000 for athletic and fine arts building and grounds improvements designed for district and community use.
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2. What is the cost for a homeowner in Grand Ledge if the bond proposals pass?
Answer: The cost will depend on your home value, eligibility for the homestead tax credit, and income. The tables below are based upon certain assumptions including eligibility for the homestead tax credit. To determine your specific tax impact, please use the confidential tax calculator by clicking here.
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3. How do our millage rates compare with other communities?
Answer: Grand Ledge Public Schools has a debt millage rate of 4.19 mills that is the lowest in the region. DeWitt and Holt have rates that are more than twice as much as ours. The next two largest Eaton County schools -- Charlotte and Eaton Rapids -- both have debt millage rates of 7 mills or more. Currently, Grand Ledge Public Schools’ debt millage rate is also lower than other nearby districts: Lansing, East Lansing, Okemos, Williamston, Haslett, Mason, St. Johns, and Waverly. If both bond proposals are approved by the voters, we will have a debt millage rate of approximately 5.63 mills.
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4. When would the bond proposals be paid off?
Answer: Both of the bonds (Proposal One - School Improvements and Proposal Two - Community, Athletics, & Fine Arts Improvements) would be paid back over the next 26 years, from bond issuance.
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5. When would the district's grade restructuring initiative begin?
Answer: The goal is to begin the new grade/building configuration at the start of the 2020-2021 school year. The classroom additions at Beagle and Holbrook would have to be complete for this grade/building reconfiguration to happen.
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6. What would be the first things purchased/provided by Proposal One - School Improvements bond?
Answer: The first projects scheduled to be worked on are the modifications and upgrades to Holbrook Elementary and Beagle Middle School. Completing these projects first will allow for grade reconfiguration to take place.
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7. When would the new Wacousta Elementary be ready?
Answer: Wacousta is in the second phase of the project so construction would be projected to begin in 2021 with completion scheduled in 2023.
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8. Would the attendance zones change for the elementary schools?
Answer: No. Since Holbrook would become the "in town" elementary school, it would use what is now the Beagle Elementary School attendance zone. Delta Center, Wacousta, and Willow Ridge would remain the same.
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9. Would Proposal One provide additional funding to support the bus system?
Answer: Yes. This would provide funds to purchase new buses to replace older buses in the fleet. Bond money can only be used to replace buses. It cannot be used for gas, salaries, benefits, or other maintenance costs in the transportation department.
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10. Has MDOT approved the proposed road between Saginaw and the HS?
Answer: We have had very good meetings with several staff from multiple departments at MDOT. Our plan for an access road has been well received by MDOT Staff. As a result of the communications and meetings, they have given us their preferred location for the access drive and encouraged us to submit engineered plans for final approval. Those engineered plans were submitted to MDOT for review and we are currently awaiting process completion and final approval.
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11. What would the new pool and support spaces look like?
Answer: The new spaces would be designed with community and staff input before proceeding. What is planned is a deep water competitive pool and a shallow, warm water community pool. The information gathering and design process for this facility will begin if funding is approved. We anticipate this to be a very involved and public process in order to develop a plan that will meet the needs of our athletics and community.
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A. This site would be developed into multi-use fields to be used by school athletics and community recreation. Community and staff input would be received and used to develop this site.
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