Copyright M Live Michigan
BIRCH RUN, MI — Two out of three might not be so bad for Birch Run Area Schools leaders hoping voters approve a $17.8 million bond proposal in November’s election. The request marks the third ballot item the school district has presented to voters in an eight-month span. In May, residents approved one of two proposals for the 1,800-student district, which spans Birch Run and a slice of northern Genesee County. The proposal on the Tuesday, Nov. 4, ballot requests a 20-year, 2.25-mill tax that essentially would serve as an extension to a 2012 tax measure voters narrowly approved for Birch Run Area Schools. If voters OK the new proposal, taxpayers during the first year — 2026 — would experience no increase in taxes levied by the district compared to 2025, the ballot language stated. If approved, the bond would fund improvements to school safety systems, replacement of aging roofs and boilers, updates to plumbing and electrical systems, additional classroom space at North Elementary School, new skilled trades instructional areas at the high school, new furniture, updated instructional technology, and track resurfacing, district leaders said. “This proposal allows us to invest in safer, stronger learning environments without increasing the tax rate,” Superintendent Diane Martindale said in a statement. “Our focus is always on providing the best opportunities for our students, and these updates will help us continue to do that for years to come.” Voters in May defeated a proposal that would have funded $41 million in school facilities updates. The measure was rejected, 1,706 to 1,007 votes. Voters in May approved the district’s 18-mill operating millage renewal, 1,487 to 1,221 votes. Operating millages — unlike the bond proposal — fund day-to-day operations costs such as salaries, utilities, and classroom materials. Birch Run Area Schools is one of two Saginaw County-based school districts with proposals on the Nov. 4 ballot. Similar to the Birch Run schools district, Saginaw Township Community Schools leaders are asking voters to consider a tax proposal to fund facilities updates after an earlier, pricier tax proposal failed.
