SOUTH LYON — Voters in the South Lyon School district will be asked to approve a $350 million bond proposal in November.
District officials say the proposal will not increase the current tax rate, would be paid off within 25 years, and would fund needed renovations and additions to school buildings as well as new technology, buses, and more.
“We have a unique opportunity to make transformational improvements for our students, staff, and community members without adding tax burden to community members,” Board of Education President Anthony Abbate said.
The school board voted unanimously at its June 17 meeting to bring the proposal to voters in November with ballot language that states that if approved, an estimated 3.46 mills would be levied in 2026 ($3.42 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a zero mill net increase over the prior year’s levy.
Superintendent Steve Archibald explained the district is able to do this as old debt is retired. The district currently has an enrollment of about 8,320 students and has a tax levy of 7 mills, a rate he said would not increase if the bond is approved.District officials decided to request bond passage from voters after Plante Moran Realpoint conducted a facilities assessment and plan for long-term capital improvements in the district.
Needs that would be addressed if the bond is approved include an addition to the Early Childhood Center and major renovations to Bartlett, Dolsen, Salem and Sayre elementary schools.
All four of these elementaries were built more than 55 years ago. Archibald notes that officials aren’t building any new schools, but want all students to experience the same quality school setting no matter which building they attend. The bond money would also relocate offices in the four schools for more secure entryways.
Renovations would occur at other buildings in the district as well, including updates to roofs, electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems, as well as parking lots, media centers and auditoriums.
Bond money would also be used to replace playground equipment, musical instruments and buses and update athletic facilities and technology.
The Center for Active Adults, which is housed at South Lyon High School and serves senior citizens from South Lyon, Lyon Township and Green Oak Township, would also see improvements.
In 2020, voters approved a $98 million bond in the district for infrastructure with strong support. Archibald is hopeful voters will support this bond as well.“As we continue to support our community and provide the highest quality educational experience, our facilities must evolve alongside our students’ growing passions for learning,” Archibald said. “Education has transformed dramatically over the past century, and we want every student to walk into a classroom feeling not only empowered to excel as individuals but also safe and supported.”
Contact reporter Susan Bromley at sbromley@hometownlife.com
This article originally appeared on Hometownlife.com: Voters in South Lyon schools district to see $350 million bond proposal on November ballot
Reporting by Susan Bromley, Hometownlife.com / Hometownlife.com
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