GALESBURG, MI — Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools is asking voters pass a $11.2 million bond to fund a new transportation facility and other district improvements in the Tuesday, Nov. 4 election.
A new transportation facility is needed to address functionality issues in the current facility, according to district bond information. The district’s current transportation facility was built in 1968.
For the other planned improvements, the district’s operating budget can’t fund the necessary renovations.
“Our Galesburg-Augusta facilities are well maintained, but certain improvements will allow students to continue learning in comfortable, safe and dry environments,” said Superintendent Lindsey Newton.
The district will levy 1 mill in 2026, if the bond is approved. 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 average millage rate required to retire the bond is 2.03 mills, for up to 17 years. In other words, residents with a $200,000 home (with a $100,000 taxable value) would pay an extra $203 per year on average for up to 17 years, if the bond is approved.
The bond would fund the replacement of select portions of the roof at the district’s primary school, middle school and high school. Upgrades to the air conditioning systems at the schools will be made as well, according to the district website. Security upgrades will also be made at the primary and high school.
The bond represents “critical needs,” Newton said.
If the bond isn’t passed, the district will prioritize funding the most urgent needs within the budget and potentially revise the proposal for the future, Newton said.
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