Jefferson Schools will have two proposals on the Aug. 4 ballot.
Voters will decide on a $28.7 million bond proposal and renewal of the non-homestead operating millage.
“We called for our bond election last night at our board meeting, and it was a unanimous vote (of approval),” Amy Gee, Jefferson’s superintendent, said on April 24.
Together, the proposals aim to update school facilities and fund day-to-day operations, the district said in an April 24 news release.
Bond proposal
Earlier this year, Jefferson Schools announced plans for a bond proposal. The district held focus panels and launched a community survey with three potential bond scenarios.
Scenario 2 “emerged as the clear consensus recommendation” among those who took the survey, Gee said in a previous news release.
According to the bond’s FAQ page, if passed, the bond would cost $200 a year for a homeowner with a home valued at $200,000.
“The bond proposal will require a 2-mill increase and focuses on essential facility needs across the school district. Projects include roof replacements and end-of-life mechanical systems, such as heating and cooling. These are foundational systems that impact the safety, reliability and day-to-day functions of school buildings,” according to the news release.
The release said Jefferson Schools has never had a voter-approved bond proposal.
“For years, the district has maintained its facilities through a combination of a sinking fund, careful budgeting and generous community donations. While those efforts have helped extend the life of buildings, they have not fully addressed large-scale infrastructure needs,” according to the news release. “Infrastructure needs, such as roofs and mechanical systems, require a different level of investment that can only be addressed through a bond proposal.”
“Jefferson has done a great job taking care of its facilities with the resources available,” Gee said. “But we have reached a point where major systems are at the end of their useful life. This proposal focuses on the essentials so we can keep our buildings safe, functional and dependable for students and staff.”
The projects included in the bond were identified through professional facility assessments and input from the community and school students and staff.
Non-homestead operating millage
Jefferson’s non-homestead operating millage was last renewed by voters in 2016. If approved in August, the millage would be in effect through 2036.
“This millage applies only to non-homestead properties, such as businesses, rental properties and second homes. It is not levied on a homeowner’s primary residence,” according to the news release.
“The renewal would not increase the current tax rate. It would allow Jefferson Schools to continue receiving its full share of state funding, which generates more than $5 million annually and represents about 20% of the school district’s operating budget,” according to the news release.
“These two proposals serve different but equally important purposes,” said Board of Education President Shane Foster. “The bond focuses on improving our facilities, while the non-homestead operating millage renewal protects the funding that supports our classrooms, staff and daily operations. Both are critical to keeping Jefferson Schools moving forward.”
Learn more by visiting Jefferson Schools’ website or contacting Gee at 734-289-5550 or agee@jeffersonschools.org.
— Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at swisler@monroenews.com.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Jefferson Schools’ board approves two proposals for Aug. 4 ballot
Reporting by Suzanne Nolan Wisler, The Monroe News / The Monroe News
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