Copyright M Live Michigan
JACKSON, MI — Voters in the Jackson Public Schools district elected to borrow millions to improve schools’ infrastructure. They decided 3,683 to 3,262 Tuesday, Nov. 4, approving the $126 million bond proposal. Approving the bond, funded by the School Bond Qualification and Loan Program, will maintain property owners current school tax rate of 5.95 mills with no increase. The purpose of the bond is to construct, improve and maintain the school district’s infrastructure while preserving the school’s general fund for daily operations. JPS has a lengthy list of construction projects that will be paid for by the bond. Among the projects is a new state-of-the-art innovation center where students can focus on learning various in-demand trade skills. The center will also house the district administration offices, Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Jeremy Patterson earlier said. The proposed construction of the innovation center has drawn criticism from the Jackson County Historical Society as it would involve the demolition of Reynolds Hall. Read more: Jackson schools intends to demolish 1930s building over historians’ objections Reynolds Hall is a brick building constructed in the 1930s and located next to Jackson High School, 544 Wildwood Ave. It currently serves as the school district’s administration building. The bond will also pay for upgrades to the pathways and science areas at Jackson High School, cafeteria renovations, upgrades to the high school’s stadium, electrical updates and HVAC upgrades for school buildings. Patterson said only about 30-40% of Jackson Public Schools’ buildings have air conditioning.
