SAGINAW TOWNSHIP, MI–– In a move similar to recent improvement measures taken by nearby Saginaw Public Schools, the Saginaw Township Community School District’s Board of Education has approved a language for a $242.9 million bond proposal on the May 2 ballot.
According to officials with the district at a Monday, January 30 board meeting, if approved by voters the bond will fund improvements at all of the district’s schools as well as related demolition costs.
Three circular classroom pods have been named for demolition alongside space for constructing a new Academic and Arts facility at Heritage High School.
While each of the district’s schools will see upgrades, most of the funds will be aimed at improvements at Heritage High School, according to Superintendent Bruce Martin in a statement released by the district Tuesday.
“A big piece of this bond proposal relates to Heritage High School,” said Martin. “This new (Academic and Arts) facility will be attached to the fourth pod, which includes a gym, pool, cafeteria, and CTE classrooms.”
In the same release, the district said the proposal is designed to make necessary upgrades and renovations that would have exceeded the scope and funds of its sinking fund. When it comes time for voters to hit the ballot box, the bond proposal will implement a 5.75 mill tax increase.
The district provided estimates that the “average” homeowner within the district-living in a $100,000 home with a taxable value of $50,000- would see a $287.50 tax bill increase per year, which breaks down to $23.95.
Superintendent Martin added that the upgrades are something students in the district have needed for more than six decades and will help keep kids safe and up-to-speed educationally.
(Graphic provided with permissions by Saginaw Township Community Schools)
“The proposed updates to school facilities focus on enhancing student safety and security while upgrading and renovating school facilities, which average 64 years old,” said Martin. “The updates will meet the learning needs of today’s students and keep us competitive with school facilities in neighboring school districts.”
Projects listed in the bond proposal have been split into three main areas of focus:
- Upgrading safety and security
- Improving the learning environment; and
- Updating interior and exterior facility infrastructure (roofs, boilers, HVAC, site, etc.)
Martin said that the school district will share information about the bond proposal through direct mailings, social media, the school district website, community and staff presentations, and the news media to ensure that the community is well-informed and that answers are provided to questions people have.
Design work will begin immediately following approval of the bond by voters, followed shortly by a construction schedule and bidding.
All bond proposal projects are estimated to be completed by 2027 if approved.
Information about the bond proposal has been made available on the school district’s website with updates provided through election day.
Martin said all residents to the district website (stcs.org) and click on “Bond Election Info” under the “District” tab or to contact him directly at dbmartin@stcs.org with any questions.
A survey to gauge community interest has also been listed on that webpage.
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