The Fenton Board of Education on Monday, August 7th, unanimously voted to place a $122.5 million bond proposal on the ballot in November.
According to the district’s webpage, the purpose of the bond is for;
• acquiring, installing and constructing school safety and security improvements, including installing security cameras, locks and doors, and secure windows, for school buildings;
• replacing roofs, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in school buildings;
• improving, equipping, and developing parking areas, sidewalks, driveways, playgrounds, athletic fields and facilities, and sites;
• acquiring and installing instructional technology and instructional technology equipment for school buildings;
• erecting, furnishing and equipping a multipurpose athletic building with a walkable community track and school support buildings; and
• erecting additions to, remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing, and equipping and re-equipping school buildings.
The proposed plan would provide building additions and improvements at all schools throughout the district with a focus on Safety & Security, Air Quality & Handling, Classroom Updates & Furnishing, as well as STEM, Robotics, Fine Arts, and Athletic Facilities.
The estimated millage that will be levied for the proposed bonds in 2024 is 2.30 mills, which equates to $2.30 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation for a homeowner, but will result in a zero net increase over the prior year’s levy. Additionally, the school district does not expect to borrow from the State to pay debt service on the bonds, which are expected to be issued in 2023, 2025, and 2028. Officials say that allows for years of bond repayments to occur before a new bond issue is completed.
If this bond is not approved, the district says it would “have to reconsider its financial picture and determine the next steps. It is possible that money currently spent on general fund expenses would have to be diverted to facilities.”
