What is the 2024 bond proposal?
A school bond election consists of a millage (tax levy) and permission to sell bonds that will be repaid through this millage. The bond issues requested by Coloma Community Schools would be used to finance building and other capital projects. These measures are placed on the ballot by the school district’s school board to be decided by the voting public. 

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The district has an opportunity to improve academics by addressing our facilities’ most pressing needs and improving learning environments. Proposed projects include: 

• Proposal 1: $12.48 Million, projected .9 mill Increase

  • Update Student Learning Environments at Elementary and High School

    • ​Remodel 1960s-era classrooms
    • Technology and furnishings
  • Update Infrastructure in All Buildings
    • Replace boiler at Elementary School
    • Install mechanical control systems at Elementary and High School
    • Partial LED lighting upgrade in common areas

    • Partial replacement of windows and exterior doors

    • Building envelope improvements

  • Demolish North Building (Old High School)

    • Install mechanical equipment for Alwood Gym (If Proposal 2 passes, this funding would be reallocated for
      mechanical equipment in the new gym)

• Proposal 2: $11.9 million, projected .85 mill increase  

  • HVAC Throughout Elementary and High School

  • New Auxiliary Gym at Intermediate School

    • Demolish the Alwood Gym

  • New Playground at Intermediate School

Why are we considering a bond issue now?

After obtaining input through the Board of Education’s Planning process, a facility needs assessment, and community and staff members throughout 2023, we determined several facility and site needs that still cannot be addressed through current funding alone. The bond programs were rescoped after two community forums and a community survey to ensure that we were utilizing feedback from our last proposal request to develop the new requests. 

The Board of Education opted to put our most significant projects into Proposal #1. However, we could not achieve all of the identified facility updates through that bond alone. 

Proposal #2 was developed to encompass additional facility upgrades, as identified in community listening sessions and surveys, and focuses on improving the educational experience for all Coloma students.

Would my tax rate increase if the bond proposal is approved?
If approved, Proposal 1 would allow the district to sell bonds and generate approximately $12.48 million with a 0.9 mill increase over the current millage rate of 2.7 mills. 

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If approved, Proposal 2 would allow the district to sell bonds and generate approximately $11.9 million with a 0.85 mill increase over the current millage rate of 2.7 mills and the 0.9 mills proposed in Proposal 1. 

If both Proposals 1 + 2 were approved, the district could sell bonds and generate approximately $24.38 million in funds with a total of 1.75 mill increase over the current millage rate of 2.7 mills. Using the average median home value in our community of approximately $158,000, this increase would equate to approximately $11.52 per month or $138.25 a year for the average home in our school district.

Proposal 2 would not move forward if Proposal 1 does not pass. Visit our Tax Impact page to learn more. 

What is a mill?
A mill is equal to $1 per every $1,000 of taxable property valuation (not the market value of a home; homeowners can refer to their latest assessment for their home’s taxable value). 

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How are Michigan schools funded?
The state of Michigan provides funding to school districts on a per-pupil basis based on the cost of educating the average pupil per year. The state of Michigan does not provide funding to address facilities, which are funded exclusively through local property taxes. There are two ways that school districts can raise money for facility improvements: levying sinking funds and selling bonds. 

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What is the difference between a bond proposal and a sinking fund?
Bond proposals are used to finance major capital projects. The district can borrow money upfront and repay the bond over time.

Sinking funds are provided on an annual basis to address the immediate needs of school buildings, facilities, and surrounding school sites. This is intended for short-term improvements rather than major renovations and upgrades. 

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What is the School District doing to maintain our buildings?

Our maintenance staff has done an excellent job maintaining our facilities, but some of our systems and equipment are nearing the end of their useful life. Our operating fund has helped to maintain our buildings, but we are at the point where more costly items are going to need to be replaced.

Why do you believe that this is an “investment” in our students and community?

Our public schools are a joint responsibility for all citizens in our society. Most communities are known for the quality of their schools and facilities. Quality school facilities can be a positive factor in attracting and retaining families. Homes are generally more desirable in a school district that provides quality education and a variety of fine arts, technical, vocational, and athletic programs.

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Investing in our school facilities is an investment in the future of our community. By improving our schools, we not only provide a better learning environment for our students but also create opportunities for local businesses to thrive. When local contractors are involved in renovation projects, it stimulates the local economy, creates jobs, and fosters a sense of community involvement.

Coloma Community Schools parents and citizens desire a strong public education for their children. Past generations in our community have provided for the needs of our schools over the decades. This is our opportunity to extend that legacy of a high-quality education at Coloma to future generations.