Local School Districts Ask Voters To Approve Big Plans

Next Tuesday, a number of voters in several Mid-Michigan school districts will be asked to approve some big money items through millage proposals. Here are some links to details on some of those in the Lansing Area.

In Mason, a bond proposal asks voters to approve one of the biggest tax bond increases ever in our area. The district is looking for a $138 million tax increase, of which $70 million would go towards new construction costs. According to website masonbond.info, the median homeowner will pay $558 more per year by 2030. The district is hoping to build a new school for fourth and fifth graders, while maintaining the existing three elementary schools, as well as its middle and high schools. The 5 existing buildings would also see renovations. The school district's website lays out the details of its proposal through this link.

In Dansville, voters are being asked to approve a bond proposal that would raze the district's current middle school facility, build a new high school, and transition the current high school into the middle school. A new athletic events center is also planned. The district is hoping that voters approve the $26.5 million dollars necessary through a 5.4 mill increase. See the details through this link to Dansville.org.

Eaton Rapids voters will have a more detailed proposal in front of them Tuesday than the two previous proposals that they rejected. The district wants to raise nearly $500,000 through a 1-mill, five year sinking fund proposal that would be used to update current infrastructure. See those laid out details through this link to the district's website.

And, the big proposal is for voters in the Lansing School District who will vote on a $120 million bond proposal. The district estimates an average annual millage of 3.43 mills over a maximum 25 years. Money would be spent to improve current building infrastructures including security, additions, renovations, and purchases of instructional technology. Residents have heard vague plans to transition the current Pattengill Middle School into the new campus for Eastern High School, while moving Pattengill to a renovated Fairview School. Additions, playgrounds, and athletic facilities would also be built or improved. The district's official bond proposal language can be seen through this link to lansingmi.gov.