QUINCY, MI — The Quincy Community Schools board on Monday, Nov. 17 unanimously voted to take the next step toward putting a $60 million school bond issue before voters May 5, 2026.
The school board will request that Michigan’s Treasury Department accept and authorize a vote on a 4.55 mill increase for 25 years, which would raise the district’s property tax millage to 7 mills.
Study committee member Tom Madden said that would increase the average district residential local taxes to between $330 to $400 a year.
Madden explained that each residence is different. He promised that as the vote gets nearer, the board would provide a way for each person to receive “Exact information of what they would expect for the annual increase.”
Teacher Becky Taylor, with over 24 years of experience in Quincy schools, presented the proposal from their 15-member committee. That group included teachers, administrators, former students, parents, board members, and other interested community members.
Quincy School Bond Plan:
Superintendent John Denny explained a change from the October public presentation.
The existing high school gymnasium would remain for competitive events. A new school gymnasium would be constructed for physical education, which could be used for middle school sports events if necessary.
Construction would take place over three years, beginning with the construction of the new two-story high school classroom, followed by the demolition of the nearly 100-year-old two-story middle school. Students would shift into renovated spaces as work progresses to minimize disruption.
Dennis Higbee and his wife, Louise, questioned the board during the meeting about why no detailed plans for the work are available.
Denny said those come after voters’ approval, since architectural designs cost at least $200,000, and the school system does not want to spend that money unless voters approve the conceptual plans.
Mitch Watt of Triangle Consultants said the system cannot use bond funds for any work not authorized in the bond language, which the Treasury Department approves.
Current critical needs
Triangle’s analysis of current facilities showed a critical need for $8.7 million in repairs to the three current buildings to keep them usable.
Madden said total repair needs are $46 million. “That doesn’t do anything other than brings buildings up to code,” he said.
Adequate usable bathrooms, especially in the middle school, are an immediate need.
Board Chair Brian Preston said that with only $350,000 collected in the annual sinking fund millage, the district cannot meet critical needs.
The board voted 6-0, with board member Erin Veysey absent.
Contact Don Reid, dReid@USATodayCo.Com
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Quincy Schools takes step toward putting $60 million bond request on ballot
Reporting by Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter / Coldwater Daily Reporter
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