Voters across Mid-Michigan delivered a mixed verdict on school funding initiatives during Tuesday's elections, approving significant bond proposals in four districts while rejecting major tax measures in three others. The results highlight a clear divide among communities regarding property tax increases for educational infrastructure, with over $130 million in funding secured for upgrades while more than $220 million in proposed projects were turned down.
Key Takeaways
- Four school districts—Goodrich, Atherton, Harbor Beach, and Davison—successfully passed funding measures totaling over $130 million.
- Three districts—Saginaw Township, Birch Run, and Owosso—saw their bond proposals rejected by voters, halting projects worth a combined $221.8 million.
- Goodrich Area Schools secured the largest approved bond at $64 million, while Saginaw Township Community Schools faced the largest rejection with a $169 million proposal failing to pass.
- The approved funds are designated for critical infrastructure projects, including new building additions, athletic facility upgrades, and essential maintenance.
Districts Celebrate Voter Approval for Key Upgrades
In several communities, residents voted in favor of investing in their local schools. The successful campaigns will pave the way for long-awaited improvements and expansions aimed at enhancing the student learning environment.
Goodrich Secures $64 Million for Major Expansion
Goodrich Area Schools received the most substantial financial endorsement of the night, with voters approving a $64 million bond millage. The measure passed with 53% support from the community.
This funding is earmarked for a series of transformative projects. A significant portion will finance a new addition to Goodrich High School, addressing needs for more space and modern facilities. The bond will also cover extensive improvements at other district buildings and a major overhaul of its athletic facilities.
Atherton and Harbor Beach Pass Infrastructure Bonds
Atherton Community Schools in Burton will move forward with a $13.4 million improvement plan after 52% of voters approved its bond request. The funds will be used for upgrades across its two main buildings on Genesee Road and for enhancements to its athletic complexes.
Meanwhile, Harbor Beach Community Schools saw strong support for its proposal, which passed with a decisive 62% of the vote. The $15.6 million bond will be used for additions and upgrades to its school buildings, ensuring facilities can meet future educational demands.
By the Numbers: Approved Funding
- Goodrich: $64 million (53% approval)
- Harbor Beach: $15.6 million (62% approval)
- Atherton: $13.4 million (52% approval)
- Davison: Sinking fund extension (60% approval)
Davison Extends Maintenance Fund
In Davison, the community showed strong support for maintaining existing infrastructure. Voters approved a 10-year extension of a nearly 1.35-mill sinking fund with 60% of the vote. Unlike a bond, a sinking fund provides a consistent source of revenue specifically for building maintenance and repairs, preventing the district from having to use general fund dollars meant for classroom instruction.
Voters in Three Districts Reject Tax Increases
While some districts celebrated victories, others are now facing difficult decisions after voters rejected significant funding proposals. The failed measures in Saginaw County and Owosso leave school officials to reassess their plans for addressing aging infrastructure and security needs.
Saginaw Township's $169 Million Plan Fails
The largest proposal on any ballot in the region, a $169 million bond for Saginaw Township Community Schools, was turned down by voters. The ambitious plan was designed to fund sweeping renovations and modernizations across the district, but it failed to gain the necessary support from taxpayers.
What is a Bond Millage?
A bond millage is a property tax increase that voters approve to allow a school district to borrow a large sum of money for capital projects, such as new construction, major renovations, and technology upgrades. The borrowed money (the bond) is paid back over an extended period, typically 20 to 30 years, through the increased property taxes (the millage).
Birch Run and Owosso Proposals Also Defeated
In nearby Birch Run, a $17.8 million proposal was rejected, with 53% of voters opposing the measure. The funds were intended for critical building upgrades, including the replacement of aging HVAC systems and the expansion of facilities for skilled trades education—a key area of focus for modern workforce development.
Owosso Public Schools also faced a setback as its $35 million bond proposal failed to pass. The comprehensive plan included projects across the district's five schools, such as enhanced security measures, new roofs, and window replacements. A key component was the construction of a new transportation and maintenance facility to replace two outdated buildings. School officials will now need to find alternative ways to fund these necessary repairs and security improvements.
A Tale of Two Regions
The election results from Tuesday paint a picture of differing priorities and economic sensitivities across Mid-Michigan. Districts like Goodrich and Harbor Beach successfully made the case that immediate investment was necessary, earning narrow to comfortable margins of victory.
In contrast, the larger-scale requests, particularly in Saginaw County, met with resistance. The rejection of the $169 million bond in Saginaw Township and the $17.8 million measure in Birch Run suggests a greater reluctance among voters there to take on new, long-term tax obligations for school infrastructure.
For the districts whose measures passed, the work of planning and construction will soon begin. For those that failed, leaders must return to the drawing board to address pressing facility needs without the infusion of new bond funding, a challenge that will define their priorities for the foreseeable future.
