Voters in the Suttons Bay Public School district will head to the polls Tuesday to decide the fate of a $18.34 million bond proposal for facility improvements.
The bond proposal passage would allow the district to address issues related to “campus safety and security, energy utilization and management, replacement of boilers, and removal and replacement of infrastructure that is outdated, reached the end of its expected service life, or in a state of disrepair, according to Casey Petz, school superintendent.
“Specifically, the bond proposal seeks approval to tear down and replace the existing middle school gym on the north end of campus,” Petz said in an email. “This gym is used by students, staff, and our community nearly every day of the year and was identified by our facilities needs assessment as an area of concern if it is to continue to be used in the years ahead.”
If the proposal is passed, projects are expected to go into the design phase immediately after the May 7 election, and construction would take place between spring 2025 through fall 2028. Each building would have improvements to support the safety, longevity, efficiency, and well-being of students and staff.
In the elementary school, exterior doors and windows, select roof replacement, an enhanced drop-off loop, and sidewalk/stairs safety improvements will be made. At the middle school level, a secure vestibule for security, mechanical equipment and boiler upgrades, electrical improvements and controls, and the replacement of the gym and locker rooms are also listed as priorities. And finally, the high school will see mechanical equipment upgrades, boiler/electrical/ energy management system improvements.
The demolition of the vacant old middle school north wing is listed under “other improvements” to be made, along with consolidation of softball and auxiliary fields, centralized restrooms and concessions, a relocated elementary playground, and a high school/elementary connector.
If the millage is approved, it’s expected to cost the average homeowner an additional $27.50 per year based on an expected 0.10 mill increase over 2023 levels.
Voters in the Leland School district will go to the polls Tuesday, as they have annually for more than 25 years, to vote on a proposed 10.913 mill request to be levied on nonhomestead properties.
