Ionia Public Schools voters approved an $84.5 million bond proposal Nov. 4, according to unofficial election results.
The measure passed 50.8% to 49.2%.
IPS proposed the bond for district-wide improvements, addressing aging facilities without increasing the current tax rate of 7.72 mills.
Projects include the installation of districtwide air conditioning, safety and security upgrades, and modernizing learning environments at elementary buildings.
The proposal also includes the construction of a 900-seat performing arts center to replace Watt Auditorium at Ionia Middle School, as well as the retirement of Emerson Elementary, made possible with a new wing at Boyce Elementary.
Safety improvements include secure entrance vestibules, upgraded doors and locks, and improved fire alarm systems.
IPS Superintendent Ben Gurk and Associate Superintendent Alicia Simons issued a joint statement Nov. 5, thanking voters for their support.
“Thank you … for your continued support and trust,” the statement read. “We will utilize these resources effectively to provide our students and staff with updated spaces for teaching and learning.”
IPS voters previously approved a 3-mill sinking fund in May 2018. The district stated growing needs would require additional funding, resulting in the bond proposal.
Portland Public Schools
Meanwhile, voters for Portland Public Schools approved a $2.66 million bond proposal Nov. 4. The proposal included no change to the current tax rate of 2.33 mills.
The measure passed 57.1% to 42.9%. The proposal includes improvements to Portland High School and Oakwood Elementary.
— Contact reporter Evan Sasiela at esasiela@gannett.com. Follow him on X @SalsaEvan.
This article originally appeared on Ionia Sentinel-Standard: IPS voters approve $84.5M bond proposal. Here’s what to expect
Reporting by Evan Sasiela, Ionia Sentinel-Standard / Ionia Sentinel-Standard
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