Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com


Howell Public Schools has planned another informational meeting this week on the “Our Kids, Our Community, Our Future” Bond Proposal that will appear before voters next month.

The “Our Kids, Our Community, Our Future” Bond Proposal will appear on the November 7th ballot for residents residing within the district boundaries.

If approved, the bond proposal would provide $258 (m) million for improvements in the district while expecting to maintain the current tax rate of 5.5 mills.

If approved, the bond proposal would fund the highest priority improvements in each of the district's schools. The proposal focuses on five key areas: safety and security, learning environments, teaching tools, aging building infrastructure, and community needs.

Superintendent Erin MacGregor said "As we near election day, this meeting is another opportunity for the community to learn about the process that led the Board of Education to place the Our Kids, Our Community, Our Future Bond Proposal on the ballot as well as the details of what is included in the proposal. In addition to the presentation on the bond proposal, there will be time for attendees to ask any questions they may have about the proposal”.

Howell Board of Education Trustee Meg Marhofer said if approved, the bond proposal would allow for the replacement of the district's two oldest elementary schools, significant renovations at Highlander Way Middle School, and an addition at Challenger Elementary. Additionally, if approved, Marhofer said the bond proposal would allow for improvements to various performing arts and STEM education spaces, the construction of a new Community Center, and fund upgrades at each of the district's schools while expecting to maintain the current tax rate of 5.5 mills.

Board Trustee Crystal Zurek commented that student and staff safety is a top priority for the Board of Education and the district. If approved, she noted the proposal would allow for safety and security enhancements in all of the district's facilities. She said it would also provide funding to continue the district's 1:1 device program and allow for the continued purchase of state-of-the-art teaching tools.

The district can fund the bond proposal while expecting to maintain the current tax rate of 5.5 mills due to rising home values, expiring debt, and extending the current rate by eight years.

The district's tax rate of 5.5 mills is currently and is expected to remain the lowest of any Livingston County public school district.

The meeting will be held this Wednesday at 5:30pm at the Howell Public Schools District Office in the Edinburgh Room. The Office is located at 411 N. Highlander Way, Howell, MI.

More information about the bond proposal is available in the provided link.