KALAMAZOO, MI — Portage Public Schools is asking voters to pass a $132.4 million bond to fund several construction projects.
The bond would add to a $175 million bond passed in 2021 to rebuild five elementary schools and renovate a sixth. Thus far, two new elementary schools funded by the bond have opened.
When the 2021 bond plan was developed, school officials didn’t foresee inflation increasing costs dramatically.
RELATED: Portage district asks voters for $132M to finish new schools after 30% inflation
“We look forward to continuing the work that we’ve set out to do,” said Johnny Edwards, PPS superintendent.
The $132.4 million would fund the replacement of Amberly Elementary School, Angling Road Elementary School and the Portage Community Education Center. The funds would also support the renovation of Moorsbridge Elementary School.
The Community Education Center houses Community High School and the district’s early childhood education program.
The bond would also fund technology upgrades and bus replacements.
If passed, the district will levy 0.74 mills in 2026, which equates to $0.74 per every $1,000 of taxable value. The millage rate will be replacing mills that are falling off the books so voters wouldn’t see a net increase in their tax rate.
The total millage rate the district is levying will remain at 6.85 mills for up to 30 years. The average millage rate required to retire the bond is 1.68 mills, $1.68 per $1,000 of taxable value.
In other words, residents with a $200,000 home (with a $100,000 taxable value) would pay an extra $168 per year on average for 30 years.
“This vote is a support to our entire district and our community to continue with that high excellence of academics, and also with that high excellence of having modern state of the art facilities,” Edwards said.
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